The Missouri Department of Agriculture lifted the suspension of poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows and swap meets in Missouri effective March 24.
The department suspended waterfowl activity in January in counties impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to help prevent the spread of the virus. HPAI is known to be deadly for domesticated poultry.
“Avian Influenza continues to be a risk, especially with spring wild bird migration across the Midwest,” said Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg. “We strongly encourage producers to continue a high level of biosecurity protocols to help protect their flock. Specifically, keep your birds from comingling with wild waterfowl.”
Missouri saw a significant increase in confirmed avian influenza cases over the winter, especially in southwest Missouri. Since the outbreak began in 2022, there have been 60 confirmed cases in Missouri flocks.
Poultry producers should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and report sick birds or an unusual increase in death loss to their local veterinarian or the state veterinarian’s office at 573-751-3377.
For more information about avian influenza in Missouri, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov/avian-influenza.