* update infection numbers before publishing

It’s fair time across the U.S., and that means livestock shows and exhibits. With highly pathogenic avian influenza infecting dairy cows in many states, there could be more rules and guideline this year.

As of July 10, 145 dairy herds in 12 states have been infected, according to USDA.

Colorado leads the country for infected dairy herds with 30 herds affected since the first U.S. case was detected in a Texas herd in March. Idaho follows with 28 herds, and Texas ranks third with 22 herds.

Idaho State Department of Agriculture is not requiring the cancellation of any events or enforcing any rules but will continue to work collaboratively with livestock show organizers and University of Idaho Extension, said Sydney Kennedy, ISDA public information officer.

“We rely on show organizers to make decisions for their events with all factors of biosecurity accounted for. It is important that show organizers communicate clear expectations to exhibitors,” she said.

Enhanced biosecurity

Enhanced biosecurity measures are strongly encouraged for all dairy cattle producers and poultry owners to prevent the spread of HPAI. ISDA will continue to monitor the situation closely and post updates.

No cases of HPAI have been detected in Oregon dairy herds, but Oregon Department of Agriculture has issued emergency rules for livestock fairs and shows this summer to reduce risks.

The rules are a measure to prevent the introduction of HPAI into an exhibition while also providing a framework to mitigate the risk of transmission between livestock and to people if HPAI is introduced, according to a notice on the agency’s website.

ODA has reported 38 HPAI cases in poultry since early March 2022. The strain of HPAI detected in livestock this year is the same strain (H5N1) that has been circulating in wild waterfowl throughout the U.S.

Influenza-susceptible animals include waterfowl and other poultry, dairy cattle and swine. ODA’s rules to prevent HPAI at livestock shows and fairs only apply to exhibitions where those animals are present.

Test negative

Those animals must have a negative HPAI test within 10 days before arrival at an exposition, and the agency will provide testing supplies, shipping and testing free of charge.

Influenza-susceptible species must be separated.

Milking lactating dairy cows is prohibited in areas directly accessible to the public. At least 10 feet separation is required

No cases of HPAI have been found in dairy cattle in Washington.

Washington doesn’t have any restrictions for fairs regarding HPAI in either poultry or cattle, said Amber Betts, Washington State Department of Agriculture public information officer.

The department does have guidance for commingling domestic poultry and waterfowl at shows, exhibits and swap meets and recommends a risk-based approach.

Producer resources

“We do have producer resources in response to the bovine outbreak of HPAI. In addition to that, our recommendations for all activities involving poultry and cattle is to adhere to strict biosecurity measures, along with following the testing requirements for interstate movement of cattle,” she said.

WSDA will continue to update the industry and public as the issue progresses throughout the year, she said.

HPAI has not been detected in dairy cows in California, but California Department of Food and Agriculture has issued a new dairy cow guidance for fairs this year. It recommends testing lactating dairy cows for HPAI at least seven days before arriving at the fair, as well as other biosecurity measures.

The department also has guidance for poultry biosecurity at fairs that’s been in use for a few years, said Jay Van Rein, CDFA public affairs officer.

“In addition, most fairs now use certified poultry health scanners for poultry check-in at the fair through a program that is a cooperative effort between CDFA, UC Davis and the fairs community,” he said.

Varied approach

Any regulations or guidelines regarding animals in exhibition at county fairs, state fairs and other livestock shows are generated by the jurisdiction for animal health in respective states, said Marla J. Calico, CFE, president and CEO of International Association of Fairs & Expositions

“There is no single standard and each state varies in their approach,” she said.

Since the 2015 major outbreak of HPAI in U.S. poultry flocks IAFE has seen a variety of responses from state animal health authorities, she said.

“Sometimes there are no restrictions on poultry at county fairs, state fairs and livestock shows. In some years and some states, there has been a total ban on exhibition of poultry,” she said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidelines to minimize HPAI transmissions at dairy cattle exhibitions.