Poultry projects adjust to H5 avian influenza
With the Pulaski County Fair about a month away, 4-H members who have poultry projects are learning a new lesson due to the H5 avian influenza.
On May 27, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health said all bird movements to events in the state that allow commingling of birds from different locations is prohibited until further notice. The restriction applies to shows, exhibitions and public sales. It also includes 4-H fairs.
The virus does not present a food safety threat and the virus poses little risk to human health, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
“This was not a decision made lightly,” said Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh, DVM. “The spread of the H5 viruses has been unprecedented, and our goal is to protect the health of small, backyard poultry flocks as much as our commercial industry from this disease.”
The highly pathogenic avian influenza has been found in 16 states including Indiana, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 million birds. One backyard flock in Indiana was diagnosed with it in early May.
Because of the ceasing of movement, 4-H programs across the state are deciding how those with poultry projects can still participate in the fair. Poultry shown at fairs primarily consists of chickens, ducks, pigeons and turkeys.
“Often times, we put a lot of emphasis on showing livestock when we need to recognize that the animal is the teaching and learning tool,” Natalie Daily Federer, Pulaski County Extension Director, extension educator, said in a letter to 4-H members. “It is the process, the responsibility, the record keeping, etc., that help youth learn about their project.”
Daily Federer is encouraging poultry members to make posters, have pictures and educate the public about their project and the importance of biosecurity and disease outbreaks.
“All members will still compete because you can complete any livestock project without showing the animal. This is done by completing the required activities and paperwork,” Daily Federer. “Youth can organize interactive demos and educational displays about their poultry project.”
The egg class will still happen, along with the egg judging. Ten-year members will also be honored.
According to the board of animal health, the restriction does not apply to private sales, so the 4-H auctions can continue, although the birds will not be present at the auction.
“Some counties do animal-less auctions due to heat or other challenges. This is not uncommon,” Daily Federer said.
She is encouraging members to come up with a fun way to auction their poultry without it being there.
Indiana joins 10 other states that have taken a similar action because of the spread of H5.