Bird flu concerns mean there will be no chickens, turkey, geese or ducks at the Alaska State Fair

There will be no chickens, turkeys, geese or ducks on display at this year’s Alaska State Fair in Palmer due to concerns about spreading bird flu, organizers announced on Thursday.

“This was a difficult decision for the Fair to make, but after evaluating the risks and benefits, and listening to the expert recommendations, we believe it is best to err on the side of caution in order to keep Alaska livestock healthy and food safe, “Jerome Hertel, the fair’s CEO, said in a statement.

The bird flu has affected more than 40 million poultry and 2,000 wild birds nationwide, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Alaska confirmed its first bird flu case on April 29 in a non-commercial flock of chickens and ducks in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. AC DC database also says there was a more recent outbreak, reported Tuesday, in a non-commercial flock in Bethel.

The risk to human health from the virus is very low, but it is highly contagious and lethal among birds.

The state fair will still have its baby chick exhibit because the disease does not impact chicks in the egg, according to fair organizers. Also, 4-H youth will have photos and descriptions of their birds that are for sale at the fair.

The Alaska State Fair runs from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5.

Bird flu concerns also prompted organizers of the Tanana Valley State Fair in Interior Alaska to ban poultry this year.

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