The Iowa Department of Agriculture last week announced an order canceling all live bird exhibitions at fairs and other gatherings of birds.
The order comes as Iowa and the rest of the nation face a continued threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The order also prohibits live birds from being sold or transferred at livestock auction markets, swap meets, and exotic sales.
The order is in place for a minimum of 30 days, and until 30 days have passed without confirmation of a new infection of HPAI in domestic poultry in the state. A similar order was announced March 23 and was lifted June 3.
HPAI is a highly contagious viral disease affecting bird populations. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. The virus can spread through droppings or the nasal discharge of an infected bird, which can contaminate dust and soil.