Live bird exhibition ban lifted

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced that the Nov. 10, 2022, order canceling all live bird exhibitions at fairs and other gatherings of birds due to highly pathogenic avian influenza has been lifted. The order also prohibited live birds from being sold or transferred at livestock auction markets, swap meets, and exotic sales.

It has been 30 days since the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed a new infection of HPAI in domestic poultry in Iowa. The last confirmed case of HPAI in Iowa was announced on Dec. 12.

Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website at iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry- bureau/biosecurity. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land