New York Bans Fowl Competitions At State and County Fairs – Ag Matters

Concerns over Avian Flu has prompted The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to stop all "Fowl Competitions" at all state and county fairs.  While there have not been any reports of the "Bird Flu" in New York, the state is following the direction of several other states in putting the safeguards in place.

In addition to chickens, the ban covers pigeons, turkeys, pheasants, guinea fowl, bantam poultry, geese, and ducks.  At the New York State Fair, anyone who has already registered for the competition will receive refunds of their entry fees.

"Avian influenza has not yet been detected in New York State, but it is a very serious threat to poultry and all breeds of fowl and is continuing to spread. Despite the efforts of the best poultry health experts in North America, we do not fully understand the cause of the rapid spread of this virus. This commonsense step will help limit the spread of the influenza to other farms and chickens," said Commissioner Ball.

The fair will use the space in the poultry barn to display rabbits an cavies and the annual rooster crowing competition will be replaced with rabbit hopping demonstration.  Read the full press release and get more details here.