An outbreak of a disease which is usually fatal for birds, and can be contracted by humans has forced the cancellation of poultry shows at the 2019 Santa Barbara, and Ventura County fairs. Virulent Newcastle Disease was first discovered in May of 2018 in both commercial poultry operations, and backyard flocks in California.
More than 60,000 birds were euthanized in an effort to stop the spread of the disease. While it almost always causes death for poultry like chickens, it can sometimes also cause flu-like illness among people.
The Santa Barbara County Fair and the Ventura County Fair have followed state recommendations to suspend their 2019 poultry shows. Fair officials say it was important to make the decision early before kids buy poultry with the intent of raising and showing it at this summer’s fairs.
