LANSING — Poultry may be exhibited at fairs throughout Michigan, as the state has not seen an H5N1 case in poultry in more than 30 days. That milestone was reached June 8.
Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced on Wednesday the amendment to a state emergency order, enacted on May 8, in response to the spread of bird flu in poultry and dairy cows. The order 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," Mr. Boring said.
State recommendations include not exhibiting animals at successive shows less than 30 days apart and limiting the hours livestock barns are open to the general public.
Livestock also may be exhibited if owners can provide the 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," Mr. Boring said.
All livestock barns must have signs at exits and entrances instructing the public about biosecurity, including handwashing and safe distancing.
The amendment is effective beginning on Monday.
Also on Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin accepting applications for financial assistance to eligible dairy producers who have incurred milk losses due to H5N1.
"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," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.
H5N1 infections in dairy cows have been detected in 12 states, including Ohio and Michigan.
First Published June 27, 2024, 4:16 p.m.
