MDARD Halts Bird Exhibitions over Avian Flu Concerns

(MNN) The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced that effective immediately, poultry and waterfowl exhibitions in Michigan have been stopped until the state goes 30 days without a new detection of the bird flu.

The order includes shows, exhibitions, swap meets, petting zoos at fairs and game bird/waterfowl fair displays, but it does not include or affect egg hatching exhibits, pigeon races or zoos. The bird flu is highly contagious and can be spread in different ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected birds, by equipment and on clothing or shoes of caretakers. However, the CDC says the risk of people catching the bird flu is low.