Governor Kim Reynolds has extended disaster proclamations for five northwest Iowa counties to facilitate response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The existing proclamations for O’Brien, Palo Alto, Sac, Sioux, and Worth Counties will now continue through Saturday, Feb. 1. The order allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), and various other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring outbreaks, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection procedures. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions regarding commercial vehicles responding to affected sites. Health officials stress that HPAI does not pose an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to consume poultry products.
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