Jerry Costello Director of Illinois Department Of Agriculture | Official Website
Jerry Costello Director of Illinois Department Of Agriculture | Official Website
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has announced the lifting of a temporary suspension on poultry exhibitions and sales at swap meets, flea markets, and auction markets. This suspension was initially put in place in February due to concerns over the H5N1 avian flu.
Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA State Veterinarian, stated, "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." He added that they would re-evaluate if necessary but currently deem it safe to resume poultry-related activities.
Avian flu is an influenza type A virus affecting various birds including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and wild waterfowl. The virus is highly infectious and often fatal to chickens, with rapid transmission between flocks.
Poultry owners are urged to report any unusual symptoms such as increased mortality or respiratory issues in their flocks immediately to IDOA or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The public should avoid handling sick wild birds due to infection risks.
For further information on avian flu, individuals can visit the USDA website.
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