Royal Hobart Poultry and Pigeon Show cancelled due to bird flu threat

This year’s Royal Hobart Poultry and Pigeon Show has been cancelled due to the threat of bird flu.

The event was scheduled for August 22 and was set to feature more than 1,000 birds.

The Tasmanian government confirmed the state’s first bird flu case on Thursday after it was discovered in a Brown Suka whose carcass was found at Rocky Cape.

Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) CEO Scott Gadd said the decision to cancel the show was made to protect exhibitors, their birds, and the broader animal population.

“The risks to our exhibitors, their prized birds and the broader animal population are considered too high under the current circumstances,” Mr Gadd said.

“We are extremely disappointed to have to make this decision.

“This was shaping up to be the biggest Royal Hobart Poultry Show we have held in many years, with entries from Tasmania’s Northwest Coast for the first time in many years.”

Mr Gadd said he hoped those set to compete would understand their decision.

“We recognise that our competitors have spent countless hours preparing and caring for their birds in anticipation of Tasmania’s premier poultry competition, and we sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the cancellation.

“However, given the current detection of avian influenza in the State and the movement of birds that would be required for the event, we believe cancellation is the responsible decision.

“Our priority must be to minimise the potential for disease transmission and protect the health and welfare of the birds involved, as well as the broader Tasmanian poultry and animal industries.”

RAST said it looked forward to welcoming the poultry community back to the Royal Hobart Showground when circumstances allow.