Mid-State Fair cancels poultry, dairy cattle shows due to bird flu
Statewide ban imposed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture
– The California Mid-State Fair has announced the cancellation of the Poultry Shows and Dairy Cattle Shows for 2025 in response to a statewide ban imposed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), according to a release from Denise Stornetta, Livestock Superintendent of the California Mid-State Fair.
The ban, which affects exhibitions of poultry and dairy cattle at California fairs, was implemented as a precaution due to the ongoing spread of H5N1 avian flu.
The cancellation includes all poultry-related events, such as market broilers, market turkeys, and the bird show, as well as dairy cattle shows. The decision follows the declaration of a state of emergency by California governor Gavin Newsom after over 700 dairy herds and 60 poultry flocks across the state were affected by the disease since August 2024.
The Poultry Show Knowledge Bowl competition, however, will proceed as planned for the 2025 fair, as it does not involve live birds.
The ban, which aims to protect exhibitors, livestock, the agricultural community, and the public, comes amid concerns about the growing spread of the virus. For more information on the H5N1 avian influenza, the CDFA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have provided resources on their websites.
Exhibitors are encouraged to stay informed on updates as the situation evolves. Those with questions can contact the California Mid-State Fair Livestock Department via email at [email protected] or the CDFA Animal Health Branch at (916) 217-7517.
