The South Dakota Animal Industry Board issued a Board Order suspending all South Dakota bird exhibitions effective immediately and until further notice.
Since Dec. 19, 2014, 174 poultry premises in the United States have been impacted by H5N2 highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), including nine farms in South Dakota. The purpose of the Board’s order is to minimize the risk of potential further spread of the virus. The risk to the public related to H5N2 HPAI virus is very low and is not a food safety concern.
“This is a precautionary measure needed to protect the poultry industry and backyard owners from a devastating disease,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven. “The Board is taking this action to control potential disease transmission.”
Source:sd.gov