State Fair Bird Flu Cancellations

(Des Moines, IA) — The Iowa State Fair is canceling two attractions because of concerns about the avian flu in dairy cattle.

The Milking Parlor and the “I Milked a Cow” experience will not be a part of the 2024 fair this year to prevent the spread of bird flu.

“The dairy cattle shows will continue in the pavilion as normal, you’ll still be able to walk through the cattle barn and see the dairy cattle, they’re just here at the fair actually the first four days. Throughout the fair, the Boulevard of Dairy Breeds will be open, a chance for you to learn about the diary industry, just not a chance to see those cows milked in the Milking Parlor,” explained Jeremy Parsons, CEO of the Iowa State Fair.

So far this year, there have been at least ten confirmed cases of bird flu in Iowa dairy herds.