KOSSUTH COUNTY – The Iowa Department of Agriculture has identified a second outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in Kossuth County. The flock was found one week after another was reported, and included pheasants, quails, and chukars, according to Iowa Capital Dispatch. The previous detection included chickens and game-birds last Thursday. The is the second outbreak of the avian flu reported in the state this year so far.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Senate has removed a ban of carbon pipeline companies from using eminent domain in a bill moving through the Iowa Statehouse. KCCI-TV reports the change was made in a committee following a bill that passed in the other chamber. Arguments center about how far the state should go in protecting landowners and allowing companies to use eminent domain for pipeline projects.

DUBUQUE COUNTY – Water quality experts are cautioning those using wells about exposure to nitrates. A KCRG-TV report shows water from city systems are subject to more regulations, but roughly 300,000 Iowans get water from private wells. Excessive nitrates have shown to impact how blood transports oxygen in the body. More than half of Iowa’s water systems have some exposure to the chemical compound.