Illinois Lifts Poultry Exhibition Ban Amid Avian Flu Monitoring Efforts

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Agriculture is lifting the temporary suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets and auction markets. The suspension was initially issued in February in response to the ongoing threat of avian flu. Officials said poultry flock owners, managers and veterinarians should report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as an increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing.