(Kossuth County) The ongoing bird flu reaches another county in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Agriculture said yesterday a case was confirmed at a farm in Kossuth County. In the last two months, cases of bird flu have been found in Buena Vista County, Clay County, Guthrie County, Hamilton County, and Pocahontas County. The Iowa Department of Agriculture says bird owners should avoid contact between their flocks and wild birds.
On Tuesday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the signing of a disaster proclamation for Kossuth County effective immediately through December 6, 2023. The USDA has confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a game bird breeding flock there.
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 for commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.
The recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
