Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Signs Disaster Proclamation for Avian Flu Outbreak

On Tuesday, Iowa's Republican Governor Kim Reynolds took swift action to address the threat of avian influenza in Sioux County by signing a disaster proclamation. This move followed confirmation by state and local agriculture officials of a case of highly contagious bird flu among a large flock of egg-laying chickens.

The disaster proclamation, effective immediately and lasting until June 27, allows for the deployment of state resources to aid in tracking, monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection efforts. Additionally, it temporarily waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.

Yes, Iowa's record on reducing COVID in the state is still talked about to this day. #Sarcasm
Iowa GOP do harm. pic.twitter.com/gCO2tGPcwp

— MillerK24 💙 🟧 (@MillerK2100) May 28, 2024

The economic impact of euthanizing over 4 million chickens is expected to be significant in Iowa, the largest exporter of chicken eggs in the nation. Governor Reynolds underscored that while avian influenza has been detected in birds, it does not pose an immediate public health concern, and reassured the public that poultry products remain safe to consume.

Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, expressed confidence in the state's farmers, highlighting their ability to manage and limit the spread of avian flu. This recent case in Sioux County marks the first instance of avian influenza in Iowa this year, with other infections reported in neighboring Minnesota. The disease is thought to spread between farms via migrating birds.

Sioux County has been particularly hard hit, with 23 million birds culled and their carcasses isolated in Iowa over the past two years due to avian influenza outbreaks. The emergence of the illness among the chicken flock in Sioux County has heightened concerns about its potential spread and its impact on Iowa's vital agricultural industry.

In response, the state is implementing measures to prevent further contagion and support affected farmers during this challenging period.