By Scout Nelson
The Olmsted County Fair in Minnesota is implementing extra precautions to protect livestock as the spread of the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, raises concerns. The fair begins on Monday, July 22, and will include stringent health measures for all animals present.
"Of all the species that come, it's expected that all of them will only come as healthy animals," said Dr. Cindy Wolf, veterinarian for the Olmsted County Fair.
The H5N1 strain of bird flu is a contagious disease that can spread among wild and domestic birds, often proving fatal. Recently, the disease has jumped to cattle and humans, prompting increased vigilance.
In March, a Minnesota goat tested positive for H5N1, marking the first detection in U.S. livestock. Following this, the U.S. reported cases in dairy cows, affecting 156 dairy herds in 13 states, including Minnesota.
Since then, four U.S. residents have contracted the virus after working with dairy cows, and four poultry workers in Colorado also tested positive for the virus this month.
"It is still considered low risk to the public," said Dr. Katie Cornille, a senior veterinarian at the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. "But just this year, with it existing and having cases in Minnesota in both poultry and dairy cattle, we want to just take extra measures to protect those species in these situations where a lot of different animals are coming from a lot of different places to one location."
Olmsted County experienced a bird flu outbreak in December 2023 in a flock of 14,400 commercial turkey breeder hens. Neighboring Dodge County has had three outbreaks since 2022, all in turkey flocks.
To ensure safety, the state animal health board has introduced new testing requirements for lactating dairy cows attending exhibitions.
"Any cow that is currently milking that's going to come to the fair, whether it's 4-H or open class, has to have a test for H5N1 within the week preceding the fair," Dr. Wolf explained. These cows also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
Wolf will be busy on Monday as all 4-H livestock and some open class livestock arrive at the fairgrounds. Certain open class animals, like beef cattle and horses, will arrive later in the week. "I look at every animal and make sure, one, that it's healthy," Wolf said. "I'm looking for any kind of situation ... that it's not healthy, like a runny nose, droopy ears suggesting it has a fever or just feels poorly."
She also checks for diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as ringworm. "Not only do I look on Monday, but I look at all the animals every day because being at a fair is a change for that animal, and so sometimes animals do get sick at fairs," Wolf added. "Then we, most likely, send them home."
The Olmsted County Fair features a variety of animals, including chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, sheep, alpacas, llamas, cattle, and horses. While H5N1 is a primary concern this year, biosecurity remains a constant priority.
"We want exhibitors and exhibition managers to be aware of the inherent risks that there are when a lot of different animals are brought to one place," Cornille emphasized.
Fairgoers are advised to wash their hands frequently, especially after touching animals, and avoid attending the fair if they are sick. There are numerous handwashing stations throughout the barn, and visitors should avoid eating near the animals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the current risk to the public from bird flu viruses to be low, but those in contact with birds or livestock are at increased risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that commercial dairy products are safe, as pasteurization inactivates the H5N1 virus in milk.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock