Governor Reynolds on Sunday announced the extension of a disaster proclamation for Palo Alto and Sioux Counties through January 7th.
The USDA recently confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in both counties. The bird flu detection in Palo Alto County was in a commercial turkey flock, while the case in Sioux County is in a flock of commercial layer chickens.
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 waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.
The recent bird flu detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of avian influenza in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
