Lactating dairy cows must be tested for bird flu ahead of state fairs

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – An important update for all those who want to bring a cow to a fair in Wisconsin this summer.

Effective on Wednesday, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection officials will require all lactating dairy cows to get tested for avian flu before they’re brought to fairs or exhibitions.

The test must take place at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network laboratory. There are two of these in Wisconsin, both of them are in Madison . The animals must get tested no more than seven days before they begin travel to the event.

“People are very understanding, sometimes there’s a little frustration with change but not one of us is able to control that it’s only from the state,” said Outagamie County Fair manger Brian Stille.

The Outagamie County Fair begins next Wednesday meaning we’re in the window of when those bringing cows need to start getting tested.

State officials say that the avian flu has appeared in dairy cow herds in 12 states. So far, Wisconsin dairy herds have avoided contracting the virus, but Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa are among the states that have seen it.

“The good news for dairy herds if there is good news is the virus is much milder as far as the clinical course than it is in poultry,” said Wisconsin state veterinarian Darlene Konkle.

She said normally dairy cows do survive the avian flu; however, they may start eating less and producing less milk.

While avian flu testing is required for lactating dairy cows, the same requirements aren’t in place for other animals.

“The other species across the United States haven’t been affected by it, so it’s just the lactating dairy cows,” said Stille.

There also isn’t a statewide testing requirement for poultry at fairs. In a statement, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection said “it is important for producers to understand that commingling of animals is never without risks for any number of diseases. Each producer should consider the risks involved with commingling their animals, and consult with their herd or flock veterinarian, before making these decisions.”

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