From the office of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, May 28:
Today Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the signing of a disaster proclamation for Sioux County, Iowa effective immediately through June 27, 2024. The USDA has confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial layer chickens.
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.
The recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
The disaster declaration relates to the culling of birds, not people. CBS, May 29:
More than 4 million chickens to be killed in Iowa after officials detect bird flu on farm
Stock in the country's largest egg purveyor, Cal-Maine Foods, is up about 1% on an otherwise down day.