Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation today (Wednesday) for Sac County 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 relating to commercial vehicles responding to affected sights are also waived during the proclamation’s duration, which expires Jan. 10, 2025. This is Iowa’s seventh detection of HPAI in poultry in 2024, and comes five days after the first detection in Sioux County since June. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are urging poultry producers to enhance biosecurity measures. Symptoms of birds with HPAI include sudden deaths, decreased egg production and respiratory issues. Detections of HPAI does not pose an immediate public health risk, and poultry products remain safe to consume. Producers that suspect 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.
