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Agriculture

Iowa's Sioux County Detects Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

2024-12-09

On Friday, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship made a significant announcement. They detected the H5N1 bird flu in a flock of commercial egg-laying chickens in Sioux County. This discovery has led to a series of actions and precautions being put in place.

Governor's Response and Proclamation

Governor Kim Reynolds took swift action by issuing a disaster proclamation for Sioux County on Thursday. The highly contagious disease has the potential to cause extensive damage, including the destruction of private property and the exhaustion of local resources. It is crucial to stop its spread.

Previous and Recent Cases

This is not the first time H5N1 has been detected in Iowa poultry this year. The previous case was identified on June 20. Interestingly, more recent cases have also emerged in the state's dairy sector. This shows the widespread nature of the virus.

Impact on Domestic Birds and Public Health

H5N1 can be fatal to domestic birds, but wild birds can carry it without showing obvious symptoms. In a press release, the department emphasized that it is safe to consume eggs and poultry products. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 58 confirmed cases in humans in 2024, indicating a relatively low public health risk.

Governor's Proclamation Measures

The governor's proclamation allows for the utilization and deployment of all available state resources and equipment. These resources are deemed necessary by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. They will be used to track and monitor the disease, establish restrictions, and engage in contact tracing and investigatory work to eliminate the disease in Sioux County.

Code Suspensions and Eased Regulations

The disaster proclamation also suspends certain sections of Iowa code. This allows for swift containment and disposal of birds. It also eases regulations on commercial drivers responding to sites with the bird flu. These measures are aimed at minimizing the impact and facilitating the response.

Advice for Poultry Growers

Commercial and backyard poultry growers are advised to closely monitor their flocks. If they notice any symptoms such as lethargy, reduced appetite, thin-shelled or soft eggs, a sudden increase in deaths, nasal discharge, or decreased egg production, they should contact their veterinarians immediately.

Biosecurity Measures

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig emphasized the importance of proactive biosecurity. In an October press release at the start of migratory bird season, he encouraged all livestock producers to be vigilant, review their biosecurity plans, and ensure that these measures are effectively implemented. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza affects not only poultry but also the entire agricultural sector.

USDA's Dairy Testing Program

The USDA announced a required dairy testing program on Friday. This program aims to better monitor the spread of the bird flu. It will begin in the week of Dec. 16 in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that since the 2022 poultry outbreak, more than 1,200 flocks, totaling over 100 million birds, have been infected. The virus spread to dairy cattle in March 2024 and has now been detected at dairies in 15 states, with Iowa reporting 13 dairy cases.Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a network supported by grants and donors. It maintains editorial independence. For questions, contact Editor Kathie Obradovich at info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter.