Fairs innovate as bird flu spreads

By Scout Nelson

As avian influenza infiltrates U.S. cattle herds, state and county fairs are swiftly adapting to preserve their cherished agricultural traditions while ensuring safety. The Minnesota State Fair, renowned for its interactive milking demonstrations, now features fiberglass cows named Milkshake and Buttercup, equipped with water-filled udders to simulate the milking process. This innovative approach replaces real cows to prevent disease spread.

The threat of H5N1 spreading has prompted rigorous new safety measures across various states. In Michigan, where dairy shows were canceled, state officials require a two-month period without new infections before resuming public cattle exhibitions. Similarly, Wisconsin mandates that lactating cattle test negative for H5N1 within a week of fair arrival, adding logistical challenges for farmers and veterinarians alike.

Rick Thompson, a seasoned Wisconsin dairy farmer, underscores the complexities of complying with these new regulations. His vet must ensure test results are timely for multiple fairs, a task that has proven anything but convenient.

Despite these precautions, the risk of transmission remains a concern, leading some farmers, like sisters Jennifer and Bethany Droessler from Wisconsin, to leave their lactating cows at home, opting to bring other cattle for exhibition instead. This decision highlights the broader impact of the outbreak on traditional fair activities, where farming families showcase their livestock and compete for accolades.

Fair organizers are also enhancing biosecurity measures by equipping staff with protective gear from COVID-era supplies and excluding pregnant dairy cows from birthing displays. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that while the risk to the public is low, fairgoers should avoid consuming food or beverages in animal areas to minimize health risks.

As fairs navigate these unprecedented challenges, they remain a vital platform for agricultural education and community engagement, illustrating resilience and adaptability in the face of public health concerns.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-digitalvision