SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (TSWT) — Live poultry displays at the Illinois State Fair will not be held this year due to concerns about highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The junior and live open shows have been cancelled.
Junior poultry exhibitors will still have the opportunity to be recognized and rewarded through a virtual poster contest, information for which is available at www.illinoisstatefair.info. Registration for the virtual competition has been extended until July 15.
“The Department works year-round to promote biosecurity for all livestock producers. With the current situation, it remains important for all of us to be responsible and protect ourselves from the spread of avian flu at the fair. Illinois State and County Fairs,” Illinois Department of Agriculture state veterinarian Dr. Mark Ernst said in a news release.
County Fair Junior 4-H Poultry Shows have started the season virtually and will continue that way throughout the season.
An emergency rule is in effect statewide under which poultry and poultry products cannot be displayed at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets or markets. auction due to bird flu.
A nationwide outbreak of bird flu this year killed more than 40 million chickens and turkeys, and was partly responsible for soaring egg and meat prices. A report last week said the outbreak appears to be waiting, but there could be another surge in the fall.
