By Gavin Off From The Charlotte Observer A strain of the avian flu that forced the killing of some 370,000 chickens and turkeys in North Carolina has prompted the state to halt all poultry shows and public sales. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced the suspensions Tuesday afternoon. They include farm tours, exhibitions, swaps, and flea and farm markets, among other events. The culprit is lethal High Path Avian Influenza. Poultry farmers have worked to keep the virus out of their barns since February by limiting who enters, sanitizing vehicles, even requiring workers to change footwear and clothes. “We do not make this decision lightly. HPAI is a serious threat to our poultry industry and this is a precaution to help limit the introduction of the virus to backyard and commercial flocks,” said Mike Martin, state veterinarian. This is the second time North Carolina has canceled …