Bird flu confirmed in Clay County

State officials last week confirmed the presence of bird flu in Clay County.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on Nov. 3 confirmed three positive cases of the virus at three farms in Clay County. The affected sites were game bird duck farms, with one of the farms also containing a small backyard mixed species flock. Flocks with confirmed bird flu infections are euthanized.

Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday signed a disaster proclamation for Clay County following the confirmed bird flu cases. The 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.

Cases of bird flu typically spike with the spring and fall wild bird migrations. Since Oct. 20, nine cases of the virus have been confirmed statewide in the following counties: Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Guthrie, Clay, Hamilton and Kossuth.

The recent bird flu cases do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. Producers should contact their veterinarian immediately if they suspect signs of bird flu in their flocks.