Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced the extension of a disaster proclamation for six counties, including Buena Vista, Clay, Kossuth and Pocahontas, effective through December 17th. The USDA has confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in all 6 counties.
This 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 recent avian influenza detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspects signs of the disease in their flocks, they should contract their veterinarian immediately.