A group of 4-H’ers hopes to make chicken salad out of chicken … well, feathers.
Sparked by an ongoing avian influenza epidemic in the Midwest, the Kansas Department of Agriculture announced in June a ban on the exhibition of all poultry-related shows and events through the end of the year. The ban includes all types of activities where birds from different flocks are co-mingled — such as the Allen County Fair.
“It’s certainly unfortunate for our poultry exhibitors,” said Southwind Extension Agent Carla Nemecek. “But it’s also a good opportunity for us to provide education, not only to our youth, but the general public.”
Avian influenza — also referred to as bird flu — is a rapidly spreading viral disease that can affect several bird species.
The disease is considered highly contagious. It exists naturally in many wild birds, and can be transmitted by contact with infected animals or by ingesting infected food or water. Although extremely rare, humans and other animals also can be vulnerable, according to KSDA.
No effective treatment for avian flu has been found. Infected animals must be euthanized and disposed of properly to prevent the disease from spreading.
While vaccines are available, they are not commonly used because no vaccine covers all 15 strains of the disease.
Thus, the best way to combat avian influenza is through prevention, KSDA said.
THE PROBLEM does not yet appear to be waning, which means the poultry bans may be extended into 2016 and beyond, Nemecek said.
Tom Vilsac, United States Department of Agriculture Secretary, said Wednesday the government is gearing up to deal with as many as 500 incidents of avian flu this fall, far more than the number that struck Midwest producers this spring.
Allen County isn’t the only event affected. Similar bans have shuttered poultry shows at other county fairs across the state.
The Kansas State Fair also will not have poultry exhibits when it opens in September.
“It’s also why the price of eggs has gone up as much as it has,” Nemecek said. “Customers may also see the price of turkeys a bit higher for Thanksgiving.”
BECAUSE SEVERAL 4-H’ers already had put months of planning into their poultry exhibits before the ban was announced — 20 had signed up to do so, compared to six last year — Allen County Fair planners didn’t want those youngsters to go away empty-handed.
Cage decorating contests have been added to this year’s activities. Some 4-H’ers also will participate in a “skill-a-thon” a multiple-choice exam testing a person’s knowledge of poultry care.
The Extension District also plans on providing educational materials to all fair-goers explaining the avian influenza epidemic and proper poultry care.
“In the short term it’s unfortunate for the ones who were going to exhibit their birds,” Nemecek said, “But in the long term, we hope to have some good come out of this.”
THE FAIR continues tonight with the ever-popular steer show and talent show as the centerpieces.
A full calendar of activities is on A2.
