Polk County Fair staying vigilant following bird flu outbreaks

DES MOINES, Iowa– In the midst of fair season, safety precautions against bird flu is top of mind for those showing cattle. And while we’re 23 days away from the Iowa State Fair, the Polk County Fair is currently underway at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Bird flu has had a national impact, with 12 states having confirmed cases of the virus. Here in Iowa, 13 dairy herds have reported confirmed cases of bird flu since June.

At the fairgrounds, 4-H officials and participants say the process of entering their cattle to show hasn’t changed much, but they’re being extra cautious during vet checks.

“I feel like this one was a little more detailed and I feel like they paid more attention to things just to be cautious,” said Haydon McConnell, 4-H participant.

“We are paying attention to any recommendations from the state veterinarians office and Iowa State University extension and outreach. Those are two sources if there is something that we need to change or take extra precautions for,” said Marci Visland, County Youth Coordinator for Polk County 4-H.

Vinsand also mentioned that they have about 100 cattle at the fair, and another reason that they’re not too concerned is that the Polk County Fair doesn’t show dairy cows, and hasn’t for about six years now.

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