Bird Flu: State Cancels All Poultry Events, Including Fairs

Poultry events across the state have been canceled due to to the Avian Flu outbreak, and the Antelope County Fair is already working on ways to incorporate poultry into the fair in another way.

“This wasn’t a surprise,” said Tessa Hain, Antelope County 4-H Extension Assistant. “We thought this would eventually be coming.”

Hain, who is also a state superintendent for poultry and showed poultry for 11 years while she was in 4-H, said she and other superintendents are discussing options for the local poultry show, including creating a poster for their birds. building something with the birds or doing a video presentation. 

She plans to meet with local superintendents Rhonda Meyer and Ruth Miller next week to work on plans. Antelope County will send letters to all of the poultry 4-Hers soon with details.

“All of these kids have worked very hard. Many have had their birds since January or early this year and are already practicing. It’s very disappointing but important to note why it’s being canceled," Hain said.

According to a release from the state, after consultation with Nebraska Extension and poultry industry leaders, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) today cancelled all poultry events across Nebraska through January 1, 2016. The ban will include all events where birds are co-mingled including: local and county fairs and festivals, the Nebraska State Fair, Ak-Sar-Ben,swap meets, exotic sales and live bird auctions in an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI).