Due to a statewide ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions implemented by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the California Mid-State Fair will be canceling its poultry and dairy cattle shows for 2025.
This includes market broilers, market turkeys and the bird show. However, the Poultry Show Knowledge Bowl will continue, as it does not involve live birds. According to Denise Stornetta, livestock superintendent of the fair, the decision follows the rapid spread of H5N1 bird flu, which has affected over 700 dairy herds and 60 poultry flocks since August.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency, prompting this precautionary measure to safeguard exhibitors, livestock and the public.
Questions can be directed to the California Mid-State Fair Livestock Department at livestock@midstatefair.com or the CDFA Animal Health Branch at 916-217-7517.
