Latest news with #MarkErnst
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Illinois Department of Agriculture lifts poultry exhibition suspension
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is lifting the temporary suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets and auction markets. The suspension was initially issued in February in response to the ongoing threat of H5N1 avian flu. 'We have closely monitored the threat posed by avian flu and have taken appropriate measures to ensure biosecurity for the safety of both the public and the poultry industry,' said Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA State Veterinarian. 'Should the situation change, we will re-evaluate, but for now, we feel it is safe to resume poultry exhibition and sales.' 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). Avian flu virus strains are extremely infectious, often fatal to chickens, and can spread rapidly from flock to flock. Poultry flock owners, managers, and veterinarians should report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing, immediately to IDOA at 217-782-4944 or the United States Department of Agriculture at 866-536-7593. The public is reminded not to handle or attempt to capture wild waterfowl or other birds displaying signs of illness. Due to risk of infection to other animals, cats should be kept away from the carcasses of birds that may have died from avian flu. For more information regarding avian flu, visit the USDA site at
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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. Dozens of ducks found dead along shoreline of Northwest Indiana beach '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. Second type of bird flu detected in US dairy cows '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.' Sign up for our Medical Watch newsletter. This daily update includes important information from WGN's Dina Bair and the Med Watch team, including, the latest updates from health organizations, in-depth reporting on advancements in medical technology and treatments, as well as personal features related to people in the medical field. Sign up here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
