BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) - The Kern County Fair has canceled its September poultry show and live exhibits due to the outbreak of virulent Newcastle disease in California.
The Bakersfield Californian reports Thursday that the decision was made on the advice of the state veterinarian, who has recommended that all poultry shows and exhibitions be canceled statewide.
Kern’s poultry show is one of the largest in the state.
Kern County Fair and Event Center CEO Michael Olcott says organizers are disappointed but the fair must do its part in helping to control the outbreak.
Other livestock shows will proceed, and fair management is working on replacements for the poultry show.
Newcastle disease is almost always fatal to birds. Nearly a half-million backyard and commercial birds have been euthanized to stop spread of the respiratory virus.
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