SC State Fair bans most fowl, bird competitions for 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Most fowl and bird competitions won’t be part of the 2015 South Carolina State Fair as a precaution against the avian influenza virus, commonly called bird flu.

Fair officials tell The Herald of Rock Hill (http://bit.ly/1MUSf59) that the decision to prohibit most of these competitions came after discussions with state health officials.

Exhibitors were informed of the change on Friday. Fair officials said they wanted to make the public aware before this year’s fair, which runs Oct. 14-25.

The changes mean chickens, peasants, bantams, peacocks, turkeys, geese and ducks won’t be exhibited. The virus doesn’t affect doves, pigeons and ducks.

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Information from: The Herald, http://www.heraldonline.com