This year, a strain of avian influenza has resulted in 48-million birds dying or being put down.
Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Philip Nelson says all of the states surrounding Illinois have seen the disease crop up in poultry flocks.
“Knowing that, the Department of Ag took a stance to only allow Illinois-raised birds to be exhibited at this year’s fair."
Nelson says the bird-ban is a precautionary measure meant to protect Illinois’ poultry industry.
Federal officials say this is NOT the type of bird-flu that has in the past sickened humans. The Centers for Disease Control says the risk to people is “low."