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BOAH bans poultry movement in Indiana
The Indiana state Board of Animal Health (BOAH) is limiting movement of poultry to prevent exposure to H5 Avian Influenza. Denise Derrer, BOAH public information director says the board took a significant step to protect the state’s poultry population. “BOAH has issued a ban on movement of any birds that will go to a location where there is public commingling,” she says. “This would be fairs, public shows, flea markets, sale barns, or swap meets. Those type of places where you have birds from many different sources coming together and could possibly spread the disease.”
She says the ban also includes poultry shows at county 4-H fairs and the Indiana State Fair. “We are working with Extension, and a lot of the staff are working to find alternatives to make sure kids can still finish their poultry projects,” she says. “But they won’t physically be able to bring a bird to the show.”
Derrer says the ban is temporary and BOAH plans to open a public comment period in June allowing poultry owners to suggest strategies to protect flocks, which could allow the ban to be lifted in the future. “Are there control measures or are there things we can do at shows, swap meets and other sales that we can go back to having birds there – and we’re looking for public input on that,” she says.
The ban does not apply to private sales between individuals or local farm store purchases where birds come from an inspected source.
Are there any updates concerning the movement of poultry at auctions or flea markets? Hearing rumors the ban is going to be lifted, but wanted to know for sure before transporting any birds. I’m in a rural area and the local news doesn’t always keep us informed. Thank you.