BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) North Dakota is putting a hold on bringing birds to public events and sales in an effort to limit the exposure of deadly bird flu to the state's poultry industry.
The state Board of Animal Health has moved to prohibit bird movement to shows, exhibitions and public sales within the state until further notice.
State Veterinarian Susan Keller says mixing birds could unnecessarily increase the risk of exposure to avian influenza.
So far only two farms in North Dakota have been found with some form of the virus. Those two cases have cost producers more than 110,000 birds.
The precaution by the state board does not apply to approved private sales that meet North Dakota importation requirements.