Risk of avian flu prevents bird showings at fairs

To help prevent the spread of the avian flu, 4-H members will not be allowed to show their poultry and live birds at this year’s Jackson County Fair or the Kansas State Fair.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health announced recently that all poultry-related shows and competitions have been cancelled throughout the state for 2015 to prevent the spread of the disease.

Locally, about 30 4-H members compete in the poultry show at the Jackson County 4-H Fair every year, according to Cara Robinson, 4-H program manager.

“A majority of these kids also participate in other livestock or food competitions,” Robinson said. “We have one or two kids who solely do poultry.”

Robinson said that 4-H staff and club sponsors are encouraging 4-H members who show poultry to consider entering an education poster or video project about their poultry into the fair.

“We also want them to continue completing their record sheets for their record books,” she said. “Projects are not just about the fair.”

Some of the categories included in the annual poultry show are showmanship, standard breeds, bantams, production pullets pen, production hens pen, dual purpose pullets, dual purpose hen, turkeys, ducks, meat type poultry pen, geese, pigeons and doves.

The state is canceling all poultry events including regional and county fairs, festivals, the Kansas State Fair, swap meets, exotic sales and live bird auctions, it was reported. 

According to a press release, the cancellations are being implemented “in an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI).” Kansas experienced a positive case of HPAI in Leavenworth County in March.

“The decision to issue movement restrictions regarding poultry and bird events has been made in an effort to protect the poultry industry in Kansas and the economic contribution that the industry makes to our agricultural economy.  It is a difficult decision, as I know youth and adults would soon be exhibiting their projects at local fairs,” Dr. Justin Smith, deputy Animal Health Commissioner, announced. “This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary we do everything possible to protect the Kansas poultry flock.”

The decision was made by the state after consulting with Kansas State University, Kansas 4-H, the Kansas State Fair and poultry industry members. Nebraska has also banned and cancelled poultry shows and exhibits.

Robinson said that the cancellation of the poultry show was somewhat expected.

“We had a feeling it might happen,” she said. “It’s been quite a while since we have had to cancel an entire event. It’ll be better next year. We have to take precautions.”

The avian influenza has infected flocks of fowl in 21 states since November 2014.

 The Kansas Department of Agriculture reports that all poultry producers continue to monitor their flocks for symptoms of the virus, and notify KDA immediately if they suspect any problems. All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should prevent contact between their birds and other birds including wild fowl.

To protect animals, the KDA suggests farmers and ranchers:

* Isolate new animals.

* Move all livestock away from boundaries of your property.

* Clean clothing and boots should be worn when contact with livestock is expected.

* Thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment and animal areas.

* Monitor your animals for signs of the disease.

Symptoms include sudden death without any signs, lack of coordination, purple discoloration of the wattles, combs and legs, soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, lack of energy and appetite, diarrhea, swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks, nasal discharge, decreased egg production, coughing and sneezing.

If you see sickness in birds, please contact KDA Division of Animal Health at (785) 564-6601 or email HPAI@kda.ks.gov.