DES MOINES — Another case of the bird flu has been detected in northwestern Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says Governor Reynolds has authorized a disaster proclamation for Buena Vista County effective immediately through March 15th, as the USDA has confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock.
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 department says recent bird flu detections do not 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.
