Gov. Reynolds Signs Disaster Proclamation Due To Sick Turkeys

On Monday, Governor Kim Reynolds announced the signing of a disaster proclamation for Buena Vista County effective immediately.

This proclamation is in place to allow the state to allow resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to help with the tracking, monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection of highly pathogenic avian influenza. It also waives regulatory provisions of commercial vehicles that are responding to affected sites.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected and confirmed by the USDA on a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County today, almost a week after a case was detected in Pottawattamie County.

According to ABC News, the turkey operation is home to a flock of 50,000 turkeys. The birds have been depopulated to try to prevent the spread of the disease.

A ten-kilometer control area has been established which will help limit traffic in the area while testing is done.  Within that area, there are five other commercial farms and 37 backward flocks.

The disaster proclamation is in effect through April 5, 2022.

Get our free mobile app

Signs of the disease include:

• A sudden increase in bird death
• Lack of energy
• Decrease egg population
• Soft or thin-shelled eggs
• Purple discoloration of the waddle, comb, or head
• Swelling of the head, eyelid, comb, wattle, hocks
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge
• Stumbling or falling
• Diarrhea

If producers suspect their flock has these symptoms, they need to contact their veterinarian immediately.

Resources and practices that promote biosecurity can be found on the Iowa Department of Ag’s website.