Washington and Keokuk County Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Smith (far right) speaks with the Washington County Board of Supervisors Tuesday about avian flu.
No action was taken but the Washington County Board of Supervisors did discuss avian flu in Iowa during yesterday’s meeting. Supervisor Chairman Jack Seward stated they are monitoring the situation and nothing can be done at this time. Larry Smith, Washington and Keokuk County Emergency Management Coordinator, was in attendance and explained there are about 100 poultry buildings in Washington County, but not all are necessarily active.
Seward added, the county engineer has the authority to close roads or enact embargoes if necessary.
Washington County Public Health director Danielle Pettit-Majewski further explained the avian influenza with the only humans at risk of contracting it being those who are directly in contact with the sick birds. She added there is no risk to the food supply. Pettit-Majewski said it is not airborne and is spread by the birds’ fecal droppings and the problem should decrease in Iowa as the temperatures rise.
Currently, infected flocks have been found in 14 of Iowa’s 99 counties.