The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) issued a proclamation banning the movement of live birds in several counties due to the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
The virus has affected over 158 million birds across the country, including more than 14 million birds in Ohio.
It spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, and feces from infected birds, with wild birds migrating through Ohio contributing to the spread.
The new restrictions, announced on March 17, 2025, apply to non-commercial premises in 11 counties:
- Darke
- Mercer
- Van Wert
- Auglaize
- Paulding
- Putnam
- Allen
- Hardin
- Logan
- Shelby
- Miami
- Montgomery
- Preble
This means no live birds—poultry, wild game birds, or exotic species—can be moved or transported for public and private events, including auctions, flea markets, and livestock markets.
Locally, Jackson Livestock’s Elizabeth Long says this is tough for her business, “Animal health should be the first priority. However, the directive from the Ohio Department of Agriculture comes much too late and is only causing birds to travel farther into the state. The ODA is unaware of the consequences this has on small businesses in West Central Ohio.”
The ODA is taking this action to protect the state’s commercial poultry industry, which contributes nearly $5 billion to Ohio’s economy and supports thousands of jobs.
HPAI is considered a highly contagious disease, and officials are working to limit its spread.
The order is effective immediately and will remain in place until May 15, 2025, or until it is changed.
There are currently no ODA restrictions for holding poultry shows for the 2025 County Fair Season.
Authorities are asking people in affected counties to follow the new rules to help stop the outbreak.
