State Cancels Poultry Shows and Sales Due To Bird Flu Threat

North Carolina has canceled upcoming poultry shows and public sales because of the threat of the spread of a new strain of bird flu. The virus appears to be making its way to Eastern states.

State Veterinarian Doug Meckes and Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler released a statement Thursday. They announced that the state's poultry shows and public sales will be suspended from Aug. 15 to Jan. 15.

The virus is thought to be carried by migratory fowl. There's no indication that it affects human health or food safety.

The current strain has been found in 21 states, none on the East Coast.

Meckes says the strain could threaten the state's poultry population, and the threat could increase during fall migration.

Among the canceled events are poultry shows planned for the North Carolina State Fair and the Mountain State Fair.