MSU Extension Avian Influenza

Instructions for 4-H program coordinators and fair staff regarding the HPAI letter to livestock auction attendees

This letter has been created by the Animal Disease team within Michigan State University Extension as a resource to inform livestock auction attendees about the current events surrounding Michigan dairy and poultry sectors and how it is affecting lactating dairy and all poultry exhibitions. You may use this message on the provided template, or take the content and place it on the appropriate letterhead for your fair. Exact wording from the stoppage mandate has been provided in the letter to maintain a consistent message to those learning about the mandate. A statement about food safety has also been included. 

As the stoppage dates of poultry and lactating dairy animal exhibitions varies between the two species, you may need to omit certain portions and/or amend the letter slightly to reflect the specific animals missing from your fair. In addition, please personalize the letter by filling out the contact information for the fair representative that will be fielding questions regarding the lack of lactating dairy and poultry presence and biosecurity efforts at the fair. 

If you have any questions regarding the letter and its content, please reach out to vanorde4@msu.edu or stieg@msu.edu. 

Notice for Livestock Auction Attendees

Dear livestock auction attendee,

Thank you for attending our 4-H livestock auction. Due to the numerous detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the state of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) enacted the “HPAI Risk Reduction Response Order” on May 1, 2024. This order is intended to control and prevent the spread of HPAI, which is highly catastrophic to the poultry industry and has been severely affecting dairy cattle in recent months. As part of the order, the following animal exhibitions are affected at fairs:

• All lactating dairy cattle, and those in the last two months of pregnancy, are prohibited from being exhibited until there are no new cases of HPAI in dairy cattle in the State of Michigan for at least 60 consecutive days. No dairy cattle of any age from an infected premises may be exhibited until further notice.  
• All exhibitions of poultry are prohibited until such time that there are no new cases of HPAI in domestic poultry in the State of Michigan for at least 30 consecutive days. As defined in the Animal Industry Act, “poultry” means, but is not limited to, chickens, guinea fowl, turkeys, waterfowl, pigeons, doves, peafowl, and game birds that are propagated and maintained under the husbandry of humans (MCL 287.703(iii)).  

Because these animals are not be permitted at this year’s fair, MDARD and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension have developed alternative ways for 4-H youth to demonstrate their mastery of skills and knowledge in these project areas. In addition, MDARD and MSU Extension have created alternate guidelines for selling 4-H poultry and lactating dairy cattle projects at this year’s 4-H auction. Although the live animals will not be on site for viewing and the format will be slightly different, we hope you will continue to support local 4-H youth who have invested their time, talent and treasures into their projects. 

Please reach out to _______________________________ via phone at _________________________ with questions or for information on how to contribute to these efforts. 

With the heightened awareness around HPAI, you may have concerns about the safety of poultry, dairy and beef products. Consumers should rest assured that properly prepared and cooked poultry and beef products, and pasteurized milk products remain safe to consume, whether purchased from the store or from the county 4-H auction. In addition, the Center for Disease Control considers the risk to people from avian influenza viruses to be very low.

Thank you for your support of our 4-H livestock auction and for understanding the necessary changes to this year's format. For more information about HPAI, please visit michigan.gov/birdflu.