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Avian flu leads to bird exhibit cancellations

The avian influenza outbreak in Minnesota has led to the cancellation of all bird exhibits at county fairs, the State Fair and other gatherings of birds.

State Fair general manager Jerry Hammer says the Board of Animal Health made the right decision.

“We’re behind it (the decision) 100 percent.  Agriculture is what the Fair is all about and educating people about where their food comes from is our central mission.  We’ll do that this year.  Sadly the birds won’t be here.”

The Board’s directive is effective through the end of 2015 and also prohibits birds from being included in swap meets, exotic sales and petting zoos.