By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

State and federal officials have announced confirmed cases of bird flu at four sites in the past three days.

On Saturday, the Iowa Department of Agriculture announced a hatchery in Kossuth County for game birds like pheasants and quail had been hit by the highly contagious virus. A backyard flock of mixed species in Cerro Gordo was also identified.

On Friday afternoon, officials revealed bird flu had been confirmed in a commercial operation in Taylor County, where 1.2 million chickens were laying eggs. There was also confirmation Friday the virus had been confirmed in a small flock of birds in Jones County. So far this fall, officials have identified bird flu — or highly pathogenic avian influenza — at 13 sites around the state.

The governor has issued proclamations that authorize state agencies to assist in the proper disposal of birds that are being euthanized to try to contain the spread of the virus.