INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH) will have its third quarterly meeting of 2015 on July 9 at 9:30 a.m. And it’s no surprise issues surrounding the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) headline the agenda.

Denise Derrer, BOAH public information director, indicated HPAI will be "a significant topic" for this meeting, including updates on cases and national status, the state’s surveillance efforts for wildlife and poultry and statewide preparedness efforts. Board members will also consider a vote on the first reading of a rule to permanently modify BOAH’s recent emergency rule banning commingling of birds at exhibitions, swap meets, fairs and other such events.

As of late last week, Derrer said the proposed rule was still being written, so she didn’t have specific information regarding it. She did explain, after the expected first reading and vote on July 9, there would be a public comment period before a second vote – probably in October, the board’s final 2015 quarterly meeting. The earliest any final rule would go into effect would likely be January 2016, she said, so those who deal in poultry exhibitions and sales should probably count on the current ban going through the end of the year.

"We’re trying to get the bird events back in business," Derrer said. "It’s just that, what’s that going to look like?"

Following a recognition of BOAH employees for years of service, the July 9 agenda will also include the first reading of a proposed rule concerning brucellosis control in cattle and bison, as well as regular quarterly reports from the directors of various animal health divisions and programs, and from State Veterinarian Dr. Bret Marsh.

The meeting will take place on the Indiana State Fairgrounds, in Suite 100 of Discovery Hall, located at 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205. For more information, call 317-544-2400 or visit www.boah.in.gov