Springfield, IL – Poultry exhibitions and sales are set to resume across Illinois as state officials lift a months-long suspension enacted to contain the spread of avian influenza.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced Monday that it is ending the temporary statewide ban on poultry events, including those at swap meets, flea markets, and auction markets. The suspension had been in place since February following concerns over the H5N1 avian flu virus.
According to IDOA State Veterinarian Dr. Mark Ernst, the department has closely tracked the threat and determined it is now safe to reinstate poultry exhibitions and sales. “Should the situation change, we will re-evaluate, but for now, we feel it is safe to resume poultry exhibition and sales,” Ernst said in a statement.
Avian flu, an influenza A virus, primarily affects birds including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. It is highly contagious and can be fatal to domestic flocks, prompting aggressive containment efforts when detected. While no human cases have been reported in Illinois this year, state officials emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance.
Poultry owners and veterinarians are encouraged to report any unusual symptoms such as sudden bird deaths, respiratory issues, or decreased egg production to the IDOA at 217-782-4944 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.
Residents are advised not to touch wild birds that appear sick or dead, and to keep pets, especially cats, away from bird carcasses to prevent possible transmission of the virus.
Additional information about avian influenza can be found on the USDA website at aphis.usda.gov.
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