Bird shows at Fairgrounds in jeopardy

Deirdre Newman

One of the most heartwarming pleasures of the Orange County Fair

is the chance to hold a baby chick in your hands.

This rare opportunity may be eliminated, along with poultry shows,

competitions and bird exhibits because of Exotic Newcastle disease,

which is running rampant through Southern California.

All of the chickens, quails, ducks and peacocks that call the

fairgrounds home have already been quarantined to prevent them from

catching the virus.

On Thursday, the fair board will vote on the state’s

recommendation to cancel any shows and exhibits involving poultry or

birds for the 2003 fair season.

Since these events provide a significant educational component for

students in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, officials said they

will explore other ways of accommodating these students.

They will also integrate Newcastle disease and its ramifications

into the educational program.

“The one thing about agriculture is, it is all about life, and

sometimes there are diseases and sometimes there are things we have

to do that don’t make for the best educational experience and we have

to deal with it, and we’ll make that part of our learning for young

people,” said Becky Bailey-Findley, general manager of the fair.

Exotic Newcastle first hit Southern California in October. Gov.

Gray Davis declared a state of emergency in the fight against the

disease in early January. While Newcastle does not pose a threat to

humans, it is easily spread by people who have been around animals

with the disease.

So far, none of the vulnerable animals at the fairgrounds have

been affected. Although they are protected behind extra fencing, they

are still on display in their normal viewing areas.

The board will also consider eliminating the poultry and bird

shows from the Youth Expo this spring, Bailey-Findley said.

* DEIRDRE NEWMAN may be reached at (949) 574-4221 or by e-mail at

[email protected].