(AP) – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says all poultry shows and public sales in North Carolina are being suspended because of the threat of the avian flu.

State Veterinarian Mike Martin said in a news release that the suspension includes all exhibitions, farm tours, shows, sales, flea markets, auction markets, swaps and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl.

The activities are suspended until further notice. North Carolina joins several other states, including Georgia, that have also cancelled or altered poultry events due to the avian flu.