There is going to be a little less mooing at local county fairs this year after the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at three Central Valley dairies.
Last week, state and federal agriculture officials confirmed that the virus was found for the first time in California. Nationwide, it has been found in 14 states and 196 herds.
Although the specific Central Valley dairies were not identified by state officials, the state has imposed a quarantine on the farms to try and stop the virus from spreading.
As part of that plan, county fairs are canceling certain exhibits featuring dairy cows. The livestock barns, a popular exhibit at fairs, are typically filled with sheep, goats, pigs and dairy cows. It is one of the most popular attractions at the fair with thousands of people getting the chance to see live animals up close and personal.
Scientists and veterinarians are concerned, however, that the virus could hitchhike on a person’s clothes or shoes and be transferred from the fair’s livestock exhibit to a commercial dairy in the community.
At the upcoming Big Fresno Fair that runs from Oct. 2 - Oct. 14, Terri O’Leary Collins, livestock superintendent said that as it stands now, there will be no lactating cows on the fair grounds, or in the milk quality contest or milking demonstrations.
O’Leary said she’s been in communication with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, members of the dairy industry, 4-H and FFA advisors about possible modifications to the livestock exhibit and any impact on students.
She said fair offiicals are considering two possible options. One plan involves onsite exhibition of dairy cows that are tested in advance and movement limitations set by CDFA to prevent the cows co-mingling. Another possibility is not having dairy cows on site, but allowing students to submit videos of their animals for judging along with an opportunity to sell their animal projects virtually.
“We will continue to monitor the HPAI situation over the next few weeks as quarantining and sampling continues by local and state health officials at local dairies to determine if HPAI has spread or has achieved containment,” Collins said. “A final decision will be made on September 24 in alignment with CDFA. We are grateful for the guidance of CDFA and the collaboration with the dairy industry and 4-H and FFA advisors to make the best informed decision for the students, the dairy industry and the public.”
The Kings County Fair was held in June and Madera County Fair officials could not be reached. Their fair runs from Sept. 5 through Sept. 8.
Although the virus is not fatal to cows, like it is to poultry, it can make cows sick enough to be taken out of the milking rotation and placed away from the other cows for several weeks.
In Tulare County, the number one milk producer in the nation, a shortfall of milk could be devastating. Last year, the county’s total milk was valued at $2.6 billion.
To protect the region’s dairy industry, officials with the Tulare County Fair made the decision to cancel the “Lactating Cow Shows,” and dairy milk cow classes for cows two years or older.
The fair begins Sept. 12 and runs through Sept. 15.
Also canceled is the “Dairy Replacement Heifer Show.” However, heifers will be sold through a video auction on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00 am. Participation in the fair’s video auction is optional, and exhibitors may choose to sell privately.
At the upcoming Big Fresno Fair that runs from Oct. 2 - Oct. 14, Terri O’Leary Collins, livestock superintendent said that as it stands now, there will be no lactating cows on the fair grounds, or in the milk quality contest or milking demonstrations.
O’Leary said she’s been in communication with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, members of the dairy industry, 4-H and FFA advisors about possible modifications to the livestock exhibit and any impact on students.
She said fair offiicals are considering two possible options. One plan involves onsite exhibition of dairy cows that are tested in advance and movement limitations set by CDFA to prevent the cows co-mingling. Another possibility is not having dairy cows on site, but allowing students to submit videos of their animals for judging along with an opportunity to sell their animal projects virtually.
“We will continue to monitor the HPAI situation over the next few weeks as quarantining and sampling continues by local and state health officials at local dairies to determine if HPAI has spread or has achieved containment,” Collins said. “A final decision will be made on September 24 in alignment with CDFA. We are grateful for the guidance of CDFA and the collaboration with the dairy industry and 4-H and FFA advisors to make the best informed decision for the students, the dairy industry and the public.”
The Kings County Fair was held in June and Madera County Fair officials could not be reached. Their fair runs from Sept. 5 through Sept. 8.
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