Bird exhibitions halted by IDALS

   The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced on Nov. 10 an order cancelling all live bird exhibitions at fairs and other gatherings of birds due to the continued threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

   The order also prohibits live birds from being sold or transferred at livestock auction markets, swap meets and exotic sales. The order began Nov. 10 and is effective for a minimum of 30 days, until 30 days have passed without a confirmation of a new infection of HPAI in domestic poultry in the state.

   A similar order was put into place March 23 and was lifted June 3.

   According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products.

   For additional information on HPAI, please visit https://iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry-bureau/avian-influenza.