Illinois animal health officials limit exhibitions to Illinois birds
only
Out of state poultry will be restricted
from participation in 2015 Illinois state, county, 4-H, and FFA
fairs
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[June 06, 2015]
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –Illinois Department
of Agriculture (IDOA) animal health officials announced today that
out-of-state birds will not be allowed to compete in Illinois
exhibitions until further notice due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian
Influenza (HPAI) outbreak affecting several states. This restriction
includes county fairs, FFA and 4-H fairs, Illinois State Fair, and
the DuQuoin State Fair. To date, avian influenza has not been
detected in Illinois.
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“The Department is taking a proactive approach to the threat of
avian influenza. This decision not only protects the poultry
industry, but it also guarantees our state’s youth the
opportunity to show livestock at our many county fairs and at
both state fairs,” said Director Philip Nelson.
HPAI entered into the United States in mid-December 2014.
Incidents have occurred within the Pacific, Central and
Mississippi Flyways. There have been cases in wild birds,
captive wild birds, backyard poultry and commercial poultry.
Over 46 million birds have either died or have been euthanized
due to the virus.
Avian Influenza has impacted 20 states: Arkansas, California,
Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri,
Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota,
Washington, Wisconsin, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Utah.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/Jun/06/images/ads/current/napa_bch1-3108.png)
The IDOA, in cooperation with the United States Department of
Agriculture Veterinary Services (USDA-VS), serve as the official
reporting agencies for HPAI in Illinois. Producers are required
to report unexplained avian deaths and birds exhibiting clinical
signs of disease so that an investigation can be conducted and a
definitive diagnosis be achieved. Anyone witnessing these
occurrences must contact the State Veterinarian toll-free at
1-866-299-9256 or through USDA’s toll-free number at
1-866-536-7593.
Birds affected with HPAI may exhibit:
- Sudden death without clinical signs
- Respiratory distress (gasping)
- Digestive abnormalities (extreme diarrhea)
- Swelling around the head, neck and eyes
- Purple or blue discoloration around the head and legs
- Decreased egg production or soft-shelled or misshapen
eggs
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing, sneezing
- Turkeys may have nervous systems including tremors,
twisted necks, paralyzed wings and recumbent pedaling
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According to the 2012 U.S. Census of Agriculture, 3,725 poultry
farms housing 4.3 million birds are located in Illinois. Over 1,300
egg handlers are licensed by IDOA, including 300 backyard flocks
registered and licensed to sell eggs off the farm. For the most up
to date information on HPAI, please visit the Illinois Department of
Agriculture at:
http://www.agr.state.il.us/avianinfluenza and
http://www.agr.state.il.us/biosecurity-measures/
It is important to note that avian influenza has not been detected
in Illinois. The Department has activated a dedicated phone number
for county fairs, exhibitors, or members of the media to call at
1-866-299-9256.
[Illinois Department of Agrictulture]
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