Illinois halts poultry exhibitions, sales events due to bird flu concerns
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Effective immediately, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is suspending the exhibition or sale of poultry amid growing concerns about the H5N1 bird flu.
The 30-day suspension, issued on Tuesday, Feb. 11, prohibits the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets, and auction markets. According to IDOA, the action aims to reduce and prevent the spread of the disease, which has been detected in Illinois.
Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA state veterinarian, said prevention is the state's most effective tool to mitigate the spread of the H5N1 bird flu.
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'By being proactive in biosecurity and limiting poultry movement and exposure, we are protecting the public as well as the poultry industry,' Ernst said.
Avian flu is caused by an influenza type A virus, which can infect poultry such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl and wild birds (especially waterfowl.
IDOA reminded poultry flock owners, managers, and veterinarians to immediately report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as an increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing.
Officials also warned locals who encountered a dead bird to call Animal Control or the Health Department.
No human H5N1 bird flu cases have been confirmed in Illinois, IDPH director Dr. Sameer Vohra said.
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'IDPH continues to monitor human exposures very closely,' Vohra said. 'We are committed to using every tool at our disposal to enhance our preparation, communication, and education to help combat H5N1.'
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