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Kentucky Restrict Sale of Birds Amid Flu Outbreak

The state veterinarian has banned the sale of birds at flea markets and swap meets to protect Kentucky's poultry industry amid an avian flu outbreak.

The ban is just one of several restrictions state veterinarian Robert C. Stout announced Thursday. Private sales with direct farm-to-farm movement are still allowed. Other restrictions include only allowing birds to be sold in Kentucky if they come from a farm certified by the National Poultry Improvement Plan and limiting shows and fairs to in-state birds.

About 50 million birds have been infected with the avian flu in 21 states since December. Two birds have tested positive for the flu in Kentucky. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk to humans is low.

Kentucky's poultry industry earned about $1.2 billion in farm cash receipts in 2013.