In the wake of the bird flu epidemic, Minnesota has extended its interim ban on poultry events.
The moratorium on poultry events in Minnesota has been extended until June 1 due to the state's bird flu epidemic.
As part of its reaction to highly pathogenic avian influenza, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health placed a temporary ban on poultry exhibits, including swaps, fairs, and other activities where live poultry and other animals are brought together (HPAI).
The animal health board on Thursday extended the nationwide prohibition on poultry events until June 1st.
In a press release, Board of Animal Health Assistant Director Dr. Linda Glaser stated, "We appreciate the patience of flock owners as we prolong this suspension on poultry events to continue analysing the danger HPAI presents to their birds when at home or on the road at a fair or other event." "We're keeping a close watch on the forthcoming county fair season and other community activities, and we're hoping that this extension will keep the virus at bay long enough for those events to go on as scheduled in June."
HPAI is a "high danger" for poultry but a "low risk" for the general population, according to regulators, who emphasise that there is no food safety worry for those who consume chicken. The latest epidemic in Minnesota began on March 25 and has already been verified in 60 locations throughout the state, totaling 2.7 million animals.
This is Minnesota's first HPAI epidemic since 2015. All poultry exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair that year were cancelled due to concerns about chicken health.
While poultry events are still prohibited, approved vendors of the National Birds Improvement Plan may sell poultry directly via private sales, retailers, or the mail. The present restriction solely applies to bird-congregation events and does not extend to chicken products.
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