DES MOINES – Today (Friday) Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the signing of a disaster proclamation for Taylor County in southwest Iowa effective immediately through April 9, 2022. The USDA has confirmed a positive case at a commercial layer chicken flock in Taylor County. Previously, the virus was detected in Pottawattamie and Buena Vista Counties, in Iowa. In Pott. County, the infected birds were in a back yard mixed-species (non-commercial) flock. In BV County, the virus was found in a commercial turkey operation.

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 highly pathogenic avian influenza (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. 

About HPAI
HPAI is highly contagious, viral disease affecting bird populations. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. The virus can spread through droppings or nasal discharge of an infected bird, which can contaminate dust and soil.

Signs of HPAI include:

• Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
• Lack of energy and appetite
• Decrease in egg production
• Soft- or thin-shelled or misshapen eggs
• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
• Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
• Gasping for air (difficulty breathing)
• Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
• Stumbling or falling down
• Diarrhea

For updates on this developing situation, please visit https://iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry-bureau/avian-influenza.