Governor Reynolds declares disaster in Cherokee County due to bird flu outbreak

Governor Reynolds authorized a disaster declaration for Cherokee County, after the USDA detected the highly transmissible avian influenza, also known as H5N1.

The governor’s proclamation authorizes state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Management and other agencies to assist in monitoring and surveillance, rapid detection, containment, disposal and disinfection. The proclamation also deviates from the regulatory provisions relating to commercial vehicles operating on the sites concerned.

Recent detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern and consumption of poultry products remains safe. If producers suspect signs of this in their herds, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.