Avian flu impacts Umatilla County Fair
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – The Umatilla County Fair is limiting 4-H and FFA avian entries to market chickens and turkeys only. No breeding poultry, waterfowl or any other birds will be allowed. The ruling is even stricter for the open class. No poultry, waterfowl or other birds are allowed at all this year.
Fair officials say they are issuing the ruling based on a decision by the Oregon Department of Agriculture due to the continued threat of highly contagious bird flu.
“This is an unfortunate situation, and we acknowledge your disappointment and the effect that his has on our exhibitors who have worked so hard to prepare for showing their animals at the fair,” Fair Manager Angie McNalley wrote in a Facebook post.
The 4H and FFA market poultry exhibitors brought their animals to the fairgrounds yesterday. All livestock and small animals being entered into the fair are checked by veterinarians when they arrive.
McNalley said that taking animals back to flocks at home and allowing the risk of a large outbreak goes against the practice of careful biosecurity.
“The Umatilla County Fair’s decision was made in the interest of human and animal welfare,” McNalley wrote.
