Massachusetts Halts Exhibits & Fairs With Poultry Due To Avian Flu Alert

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BOSTON – The Massachusetts Director of Animal Health has order the cancellation of all competition, exhibition, show, or other in-person event in Massachusetts where domestic fowl or poultry gather or commingle in response to the Avian Flu.

“HPAI is a highly contagious disease that affects both domestic and wild birds. This disease is deadly to many species of domestic birds and the spread of HPAI in domestic flocks may lead to interstate and international trade restrictions. Therefore, the prevention of the spread of the disease is of utmost importance to the residents and agricultural businesses located within the Commonwealth,” states the order issued on Friday, April 8.

On March 1, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa confirmed the presence of HPAI in Massachusetts in a wild bird.

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Since that time, HPAI has been detected in multiple counties across the Commonwealth in an additional 13 wild birds and one domestic flock, said the state agency.

The gathering of domestic fowl or poultry from different premises to a central location increases the risk of disease spread. Animal Health Officials from all six New England States are recommending all competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps or other in-person events encouraging the gathering or commingling of domestic fowl or poultry be postponed until at least July 1, 2022.

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