On April 14, the state issued an order to ban all fowl auctions and other events for the purchase, sale, swap, or trade of fowl in New York State to help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball issued the order as a result of the continuing spread of strains of the flu in the United States, including eight detections to date in New York State that have resulted in the loss of more than 10,000 birds.

The order expands upon the commissioner’s previously issued order to ban all live fowl shows and exhibitions in New York State. The current outbreak has impacted 26 states so far and is rapidly expanding nationwide.

Other states that have banned poultry exhibitions include Arkansas, Iowa, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Missouri.

To date, eight flocks in New York have tested positive for the avian flu, most recently in a Fulton County flock on April 6. The disease has also been detected in wild birds, including snow geese and wild ducks across New York State.

No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.

To report sick birds, unexplained high number of deaths, or sudden drop in egg production, farmers and hobbyists alike are asked to call the state Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-3502 or the United States Department of Agriculture at 866-536-7593.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer