The avian influenza outbreak that struck more than 30 million birds has prompted Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to declare disaster in 18 counties.
The outbreak primarily affected counties in the northeastern quarter of the state, but it did spread as far south as Madison County. The Iowa Department of Agriculture reported more than 31,502,000 birds were affected, and impacted flocks died or were euthanized as state and federal authorities worked to control the spread of the disease.
The last new case in Iowa was reported June 8.
Seventy-six farms were confirmed to have avian influenza infection, according to a statement from the governor’s office.
Governor Branstad signed the disaster emergency proclamation Monday, June 15, 2015. The proclamation makes special allowances that waive some state requirements for the disposal of manure and compost from infected facilities from June 15 to July 15, 2015. The waste can only be moved off site when it is confirmed to be free of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.
The disaster proclamation included Adair, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Hamilton, Kossuth, Lyon, Madison, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Webster and Wright counties in Iowa.
