Over 25 million birds in Iowa have been affected by avian flu across 15 counties. According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture there have been 51 confirmed cases with chickens, turkeys and ducks.

Supervisor Abe Miller shared at this week’s board of supervisors meeting that SEMCO, or Southeast Iowa Multi-County Waste Agency, in Richland has decided to not accept any birds. He explained they are capable but formally chose to opt out.

SEMCO members are the cities and unincorporated areas in Washington, Keokuk and Jefferson counties, as well as Coppock, Wayland and Olds.