When avian influenza began to devastate the poultry industry, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development took precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease and canceled all poultry shows and exhibitions in the state. The timing, just before fair season, couldn’t have been worse in the minds of thousands of disappointed 4-H members who had worked hard all year preparing for the fair, planning to show their poultry and take part in poultry competitions. Michigan State University Extension acted quickly to find alternative ways that youth could still participate in poultry-related activities at the fair. Even in the absence of live birds, the learning continued. In addition, the alternative learning experience prevented the spread of avian influenza, enabling the 4-H’ers to be part of the solution.
Check out this Detroit Free Press article covering poultry exhibits and activities at the Northwestern Michigan Fair in Traverse City, Michigan. It includes photos and a video featuring 4-H members and MSU Extension 4-H program coordinator Karin Stevens: http://www.freep.com/story/news/columnists/john-carlisle/2015/08/22/poultry-show-uses-fake-birds/32203499/