(KNSI) – The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is extending its poultry exhibition ban. Swaps, community sales, and other gatherings are prohibited. The measure was originally slated to end Sunday but is now in effect until at least June 1st.
The agency is assuring people that it is keeping a close eye on the summer calendar and wants county fairs and other events to happen in a manner as close to normal as possible. Assistant Director Dr. Linda Glaser says, “We have a close eye on the upcoming county fair season and other community events, and we hope this extension suppresses the virus to allow those things to proceed safely as planned in June.”
The ban is in response to an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, first detected last month in the state. HPAI is affecting commercial turkey and chicken flocks, as well as wild birds. It has been detected in 18 counties, including Stearns, Morrison, and Kandiyohi.
Officials believe that the virus will struggle once summer arrives. It prefers cold and wet weather to dry heat. While the Board of Animal Health measure remains in effect, direct sales can go on as planned. They are not part of the directive.
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