NORWICH – Fowl competitions are off limits at fairs across the state this year as state officials try to hold back the spread of the avian influenza virus.

The ban will affect the New York State Fair, all local youth fairs, and all 45 county fairs in New York State, including the Chenango County fair. The directive was announced by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets on Tuesday.

While a disappointment to fairgoers, the decision was nothing short of “commonsense,” according to NY Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball.