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SPRINGFIELD, IL - 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 and continued
through today.
“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.
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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
aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections
[Illinois Dept. of Agriculture]
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