In cooperation with the Iowa Poultry Association and the Iowa Turkey Federation, the Iowa Poultry Emergency Disease Plan has been signed by Acting State Veterinarian David Schmitt, DVM, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge.
The plan sets out basic response objectives in case high pathogenic Avian Influenza is detected in Iowa
Dr. Schmitt stresses the single best action that poultry and turkey producers can do is have a good biosecurity plan in place. Steps include:
- Control visitor access to animals on your site.
- Wash and disinfect vehicles and equipment.
- Provide showers, change of clothes and footwear for personnel
- Keep records of visitors and deliveries.
Should disease strike, the State Veterinarian will direct response and disease eradication efforts. Should the disease be avian influenza, the State Veterinarian will:
- Announce laboratory confirmation of the disease.
- Quarantine the premises.
- Define personal protective equipment needed by responders
- Deploy teams to euthanize animals as necessary to control the disease.
- Oversee burial, composting or landfilling birds with the help of DNR and DOT.
- Prevent spread of the disease by disinfecting premises until they are certified clean and ready to resume production.
Throughout this process, IDALS will be working closely with our foreign animal disease response partners including:
- Department of Natural Resources
- Iowa Homeland Security / Emergency Management
- Department of Public Health
- Department of Transportation
- USDA / Federal Area Veterinarian In Charge
- County Emergency Management Agencies
Retrun to Avian Influenza |
