Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service have announced that a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in a flock of commercial layer chickens in Sioux County.
The virus affects both wild and domestic bird populations as well as lactating dairy cattle. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is also often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. With supportive care, dairy cattle recover with little to no mortality stemming from the disease.
Poultry producers or those with backyard birds, along with producers with dairy cattle suspected of having HPAI, should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5305.
Officials add that it remains safe to consume poultry products that have been properly handled and cooked. The also say there is no concern about safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products.
Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a disaster proclamation for Sioux County effective immediately through June 27, 2024. This 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.
