Des Moines, Iowa — Governor Reynolds has extended a disaster proclamation pertaining to avian influenza.
The proclamation is now in effect through July 26th for Cherokee, Sac, and Sioux counties. The USDA has confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in all three counties.
The proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.
The recent bird flu detections do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of bird flu in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KAYL in Storm Lake)
