SIOUX COUNTY, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said Friday the bird flu was detected in Sioux County.
The viral disease was found in a flock of commercial-layer chickens. This is Iowa's fourth report of bird flu within poultry in 2024, and the first case since June.
It is still safe to eat poultry products, and the risk to the public remains low, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says on its website.
Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Sioux County on Friday, which remains in effect through Jan. 5, 2025:
"This 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."
Poultry producers and farmers are asked to look out for these signs of bird flu:
- Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
- Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
- Decrease in egg production
- Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
- Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
- Stumbling and/or falling down
- Diarrhea
Possible cases must be reported to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5305.