The largest egg producing state in America has declared a state of emergency as a result of the spread of avian flu.

The Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, has moved to declare a state of emergency which is expected to lead to the culling of over 20m birds. Iowa is the third state following Wisconsin and Minnesota to declare an emergency. The move comes following the death of millions of chickens and turkeys as a result of the H5 strain of the disease.

The state of emergency is expected to remain in place until the end of May at the earliest. Authorities in Iowa are understood to have identified 21 farms in 10 counties where the disease is understood to have been confirmed or is likely to be confirmed.

Governor Branstad has reassured the general public that despite the state of emergency being implemented, there remains no risk to the general public.

“While the avian influenza outbreak does not pose a risk to humans, we are taking the matter very seriously and believe declaring a state of emergency is the best way to make all resources available,” Branstad said in a statement over the weekend.