Organizers cancelled the show because of the avian flu situation in Ontario
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
A national show for the poultry industry will not happen in 2022.
The Poultry Industry Council (PIC) and Western Fair Association decided to cancel the National Poultry Show, originally scheduled for June 22 and 23 in London, Ont.
The decision comes due to the avian influenza situation in Ontario. The 2022 show will not be rescheduled.
“We are so very disappointed to cancel this event for the third year in a row, however the safety of the industry is paramount,” Ashley Honsberger, executive director of the PIC, said in a statement. “We appreciate the ongoing feedback and candor of our show exhibitors, customers and sponsors as we navigate the circumstance of waiting another year for the show once again.”
Bird flu also cancelled the show in 2015.
Organizers cancelled the show in 2020 because of COVID-19 and switched to a virtual format in 2021.
Ontario has recorded 26 incidents of avian influenza as of May 18, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says.
Alberta has 29, Manitoba has one and Saskatchewan has 13.
Organizers will announce plans for the 2023 show in the coming months.