Ban lifted on poultry exhibitions at Michigan fairs

By Andi Anderson

Poultry may now be exhibited at fairs throughout Michigan, as the state has not seen an H5N1 case in poultry for over 30 days, reaching this milestone on June 8.

Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced the amendment to a state emergency order on Wednesday. This order, enacted on May 8, was in response to the spread of bird flu in poultry and dairy cows and included a ban on exhibitions, particularly affecting county fairs.

"Thanks to the coordinated efforts with local, state, and federal partners and partnership within our farming community to implement enhanced biosecurity measures, Michigan is seeing a slowing of the spread of HPAI (H5N1) in dairy cattle and domestic poultry," said Boring.

State recommendations for exhibitions include not showing animals at successive events less than 30 days apart and limiting the hours livestock barns are open to the public.

Livestock can also be exhibited if owners provide results of a negative H5N1 test conducted within the previous seven days.

"As fair season starts to get into full swing and our youth are excited to show their hard work, we can't let our guard down on biosecurity," Boring emphasized.

All livestock barns must display signs at exits and entrances instructing the public about biosecurity measures, including handwashing and safe distancing. The amendment will take effect on Monday.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin accepting applications for financial assistance from eligible dairy producers who have incurred milk losses due to H5N1.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated, "When something unexpected, like H5N1, threatens the economic viability of the producers we serve, we are committed to finding ways, where we have the authority to do so, to revisit existing program policies and provide the financial support needed to help producers recover and sustain production."

H5N1 infections in dairy cows have been detected in 12 states, including Ohio and Michigan. This amendment marks a significant step towards normalcy for Michigan fairs while ensuring safety through continued biosecurity measures.

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