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Illinois state veterinarian clarifies poultry sale and exhibition ban
Illinois State Veterinarian Dr. Mark Ernst says a recent emergency ban on live poultry sales and shows is a proactive step by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
He tells brownfield while there have only been two confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in domestic poultry in Illinois, case numbers are rising in neighboring states like Iowa.
“What we are trying to do is cut down on the movement of poultry in situations where they may be co-mingled from different flocks, especially from different states. Poultry moving in from states that have higher incidents of the disease could potentially put Illinois poultry at additional risk.”
He says the order prohibits the sale or exhibition of poultry and poultry products at swap meets, shows, flea markets and auctions, but private sales of poultry and farm fresh eggs are still allowed.
“If you are participating in a sale between your flock and someone else’s flock, the transport of those birds needs to be under conditions where biosecurity has been maintained.”
He says hatcheries and farm stores are also still allowed to sell chicks at this time.
“You need to remember that others coming in and out of those farm stores to buy chicks may already have birds at home, so there is always the possibility of tracking a disease back into your own flock and you need to be mindful of that.”
Ernst says the emergency order is set for 150 days, but the department will reevaluate spread of the disease every 45 days to determine if the order can be lifted earlier.
