No bird exhibitions this year

LANSING — Poultry exhibitions won’t be happening in Michigan this year.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced Monday that 2015 exhibitions throughout the state would be canceled due to the potential for highly pathogenic avian influenza. This decision affects shows, exhibitions, swap meets, petting zoos at fairs, game bird and waterfowl fair displays, and Miracle of Life exhibits.

MDARD’s State Veterinarian Dr. James Averill said while there are currenly no known cases of this highly pathogenic avian flu in Michigan, the commitment to protecting the health of all of the state’s poultry flocks led to making the difficult decision. The department has been working with other state agencies to find ways to engage Michigan’s youth poultry exhibitors.

County fairs and local exhibitors are encouraged to go to the MSU Extension website for a list of options for poultry exhibitors. Further information can also be found here.