(Des Moines) Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has announced an extension of the disaster proclamation for O’Brien, Palo Alto, Sac, Sioux, and Worth Counties, effective immediately and continuing through February 1, 2025.
This extension comes after the USDA confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in all five counties. The proclamation enables state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking, monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection efforts. It also suspends certain regulatory provisions for commercial vehicles responding to affected areas.
Currently, the recent detections of HPAI in birds do not pose an immediate public health risk, and it remains safe to consume poultry products. Producers who notice signs of HPAI in their flocks should contact their veterinarian without delay.
