The Kern County Fair Board of Directors has voted to cancel the poultry show for the 2020 Kern County Fair.

The decision made on Tuesday comes after an advisory for fairs and shows that includes poultry from California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones.

Due to the large poultry farm population in the county fair officials say they want to prevent the spread of the deadly Newcastle Disease. This disease is contagious and many birds and poultry can die without showing any clinical signs of the illness.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, "Virulent Newcastle disease, formerly known as exotic Newcastle disease, is a contagious and fatal viral disease affecting the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems of birds and poultry. The disease is so virulent that many birds and poultry die without showing any clinical signs."

All other livestock shows will proceed as normal at the 2020 Kern County Fair that runs from September 23rd to October 4th.