North Dakota lifts ban on poultry events as bird flu cases drop

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – North Dakota animal health officials are ending a ban on poultry events that was instituted when bird flu was on the rise.

However, the decision by the State Board of Animal Health comes too late for State Fair poultry exhibits this year.

The board in March canceled all shows, public sales, and exhibitions of poultry within the state to help stem the spread of the bird flu. Early last month, the board extended the ban indefinitely.

But, now with bird migration slowing down the risk of avian influenza has decreased, so the board has lifted the ban. But organizers of the State Fair, which begins Friday, say they don’t have enough time to arrange for poultry shows this year.