State Veterinarian Dr. James Averill has ordered the cancellation of all poultry and waterfowl exhibitions throughout Michigan for the rest of the year to protect birds from avian influenza.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says this includes, but is not limited to shows, exhibitions, swap meets, petting zoos at fairs, game bird and waterfowl fair displays, and Miracle of Life exhibits.
Averill says while there are currently no known cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Michigan, the state is committed to protecting the health of all of the state’s poultry flocks – backyard and commercial farmers.
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H have developed programming that will allow youth poultry exhibitors to demonstrate their knowledge at fairs and exhibitions this summer without exhibiting live birds.