(Des Moines) The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have confirmed a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Buena Vista County. The affected site is a commercial turkey flock.
As Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reiterated last week in an alert about the reemergence of HPAI, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, working jointly with USDA and industry partners, remains ready to swiftly respond to any case that may emerge in Iowa.
Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Today Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the signing of a disaster proclamation for Buena Vista County in northwest Iowa effective immediately through November 19, 2023. 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.