Governor Kim Reynolds on Thursday extended a disaster proclamation for area counties due to recently confirmed cases of avian influenza.
The disaster proclamation for counties including Sac, O’Brien, Palo Alto, Sioux, and Worth is extended through February 1st. The proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waves regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.
The recent bird flu detections do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. Producers should contact their veterinarian immediately if they suspect signs of bird flu in their flocks.
