DES MOINES — Gov. Terry Branstad has extended a state of disaster emergency through July 31 in response to the bird flu outbreak in the state.
The declaration Monday was the second extension of the original disaster proclamation. It otherwise would have expired Wednesday.
The virus has infected more than 31.5 million birds in Iowa, mostly egg-laying chickens, making the state the hardest hit in the nation.
Branstad’s declaration activates disaster response programs, allows the use of state supplies and makes other efforts to speed response efforts. The governor has also sought a major disaster declaration from President Barack Obama for the four counties most impacted by the virus.