A state-mandated ban on poultry transport has canceled any poultry display or related events at the 2015 Kosciusko and Elkhart County 4-H fairs.

The Indiana State Board of Animal health, www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm ordered that all poultry movements cease to prevent the spread of the H5 avian influenza virus. Indiana is the latest of a number of states to take the move. The virus poses no food-safety threat, according to the state, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the virus poses little risk to human health. It is, however, highly pathogenic and deadly to domestic poultry.

That means no birds in the poultry barns at either fair. For Elkhart County it includes no chicken-flying contest or no rooster-crowing contest. However, both counties are working on alternative ways to allow 4-H Poultry Club members to participate in the fair.

“The youth can still complete the learning process of the project,” stated Mindy Wise, Kosciusko County 4-H Extension Educator. “They just won’t be exhibit the birds.” Wise stated meetings are planned to create ways to provide education about poultry during the fair. Also affected is the donation Heart of 4-H makes of poultry to area food pantries. Discussion will be held as to how this can still be done.

“While it is a disappointment that the poultry shows at the 2015 Elkhart County 4-H Fair have been cancelled, we fully support the board of animal health’s decision and understand the significance of helping prevent the spread of the H5 avian influenza virus,” said Bryan Blair, general manager of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. “As one of the top county fairs in the nation, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair is always concerned with the health and welfare of animals that are exhibited at our fair and we will work closely with  and support the Elkhart County 4-H Poultry Club and Purdue Extension-Elkhart County to develop alternate programming and events for its members at the fair this year.”

The cancelled poultry events will appear in printed fair schedules for both fairs, which have already been published. However, in the case of Elkhart County the events will not be on the schedule on the fair app. Alternate programming will appear in those electronic programs.

The full statement from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health can be found at: www.in.gov/boah/files/ExhbtnPoultry_Ban_EmRule_PR_5-27-15(3).pdf) is attached below.