The spread of Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu is causing some changes to summer traditions like poultry exhibits and petting zoos at fairs, like the St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair. Poultry exhibits are now temporarily prohibited.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s State Veterinarian, Dr. Nora Wineland, said, “MDARD is committed to protecting the health of all Michigan’s domestic birds. Preventative measures are the best and only tools we have to limit the negative impact of HPAI. By exercising this necessary precaution, we can wait for the warmer, drier weather needed to kill the virus without creating conditions that could worsen the problem.”
Dr. Wineland said, “By taking this step now, it is hoped that poultry exhibitors can still participate in fair activities once circumstances have improved.” Poultry exhibits can be reinstated once the state goes thirty days with no new cases of the Bird Flu.
The contagious virus was found in a commercial poultry operation in Muskegon and has been found in several backyard coops and in wild birds. MDARD says that the virus does not pose a food safety risk if poultry and eggs are cooked and handled properly.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
