Des Moines, Iowa — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has extended disaster proclamations for six counties pertaining to bird flu.
The USDA recently confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in all six counties, including Buena Vista, Clay, and Pocahontas. The extensions run through December 17th.
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 detection of bird flu doesn’t 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.
The other counties named in the proclamation are Hamilton, Kossuth, and Tayor counties.
(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KAYL in Storm Lake)
