Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for a northwest Iowa county following the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial layer chicken facility. The order for Sioux County allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), and other agencies to assist producers and county officials with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. It also waives regulatory provisions concerning commercial vehicles responding to affected sites. This is the first confirmed HPAI outbreak in Iowa since December 2023. Bird flu has challenged poultry producers in Iowa for the past several years, and this occurrence likely signals the pathogen will be a problem again in 2024, especially as seasonal migrations accelerate. Flock owners are encouraged to closely monitor their birds and contact a veterinarian immediately if HPAI is suspected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bird flu does not pose a public health concern at this time, and it remains safe to consume poultry products if prepared correctly.
