TOPSFIELD, MA — The chicken coop will be closed at the 204th Topsfield Fair out of concerns about the highly pathogenic avian flu.

Topsfield Fair General Manager James O'Brien said on Tuesday that officials made the "difficult decision" to shutter the poultry building this year per the recommendation of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

"While we are disappointed that the building won't be open this year, we feel taking an abundance of caution and not holding a poultry show this year is the right thing to do for all our guests," O'Brien said in a statement to Patch.

All other animal exhibits and showcases are expected to go on scheduled for the 204th Topsfield Fair, which opens Friday and runs through Oct. 11.

More information on this year's Fair, including the entertainment schedule, ticket information and special events, can be found on Patch here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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