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 turkey flock. The order for Cherokee County allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. It also waives regulatory provisions concerning commercial vehicles responding to affected sites. This latest order comes less than a week after the first outbreak of 2024 was detected in Iowa in Sioux County. With more cases expected in the weeks and months ahead, flock owners are encouraged to closely monitor their birds and contact a veterinarian immediately if HPAI is suspected. Clinical signs of an outbreak include a sudden increase in bird deaths, decreased egg production, soft and misshaped eggs, and wattle, comb, and hock discoloration. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bird flu does not pose a public health concern now, and it remains safe to consume poultry products if prepared correctly.
