Backyard chicken coop with family in backgroundBack in the news again, USDA announced Wednesday yet another confirmation of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in two non-commercially backyard flocks in Connecticut and Iowa. The Iowa case was found in Pottawattamie County in the southwest part of the state. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) continues to work with state animal health officials in both states on joint incident responses. Both affected premises were quarantined by officials and other birds on the property will be culled. The two additional cases join confirmed incidences in Michigan, Delaware, Indiana, New York, Maine, Virginia and Kentucky.

Poultry farmers concerned about the disease should watch closely for symptoms such as decreased egg production or misshapen eggs, swelling or purple discoloration of the head, eyelids, comb and hocks, nasal discharge and coughing, sneezing and diarrhea.

Read more on the most revent bird flu cases here.