Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Sac County yesterday (Thursday) following a confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock. The proclamation mobilizes state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking, containment, disposal, and disinfection efforts. Regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites are also waived for the order’s duration, which expires July 20. This is Iowa’s third detection of HPAI in poultry in 2024. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are urging poultry producers to enhance biosecurity measures. Symptoms in birds include sudden deaths, decreased egg production, and respiratory issues. HPAI detections do not pose an immediate public health risk, and poultry products remain safe to consume. Producers suspecting HPAI in their flocks should contact their veterinarian immediately. For more information or to report suspected cases, contact the Iowa Department of Agriculture at 515-281-5305.
