Gov. Kim Reynolds extended a disaster proclamation for Sac County and four other counties in response to highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The other counties are O’Brien, Palo Alto, Sioux, and Worth.

The extension is effective immediately through Feb. 1.

The United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in all five counties.

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, according to the governor’s office. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.