California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones has issued a statewide ban on exhibiting dairy cattle and poultry at fairs and shows due to the ongoing spread of H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) among dairy herds and domestic poultry. This decision, which comes in the wake of Governor Gavin Newsom’s state of emergency declaration last month, is aimed at curbing the devastating effects of the outbreak on California’s livestock and poultry industries.
“Due to the continued spread of H5N1 Bird Flu in California, the State Veterinarian has implemented a ban on all California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at fairs and shows immediately until further notice,” the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced in a press release. “This action is required to minimize the danger of exposing people and non-infected cows and birds to the disease.”
The outbreak, which began in the state in August 2024, has affected over 700 dairy herds and 60 poultry flocks, impacting more than 15 million birds across California. Within the last 30 days, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reports that 149 new confirmed cases had been detected within the state. With new infections still being detected, the ban is a step to prevent further spread of the virus.
Currently the CDFA is urging dairy and poultry owners to take immediate action by implementing strict biosecurity measures. These include preventing the mingling of livestock with wild birds or other infected animals, avoiding the movement or sharing of potentially contaminated equipment, and ensuring rigorous sanitation practices.
“Enhanced biosecurity is essential to protecting livestock and poultry from this devastating disease,” the CDFA stated. “Producers must prevent contact with wild bird populations and avoid any practices that might facilitate the transfer of the virus.”
Clinical signs of H5N1 Bird Flu in cattle include reduced feed consumption, a marked drop in milk production—sometimes resulting in thick, colostrum-like milk or no milk production at all—respiratory distress, nasal discharge, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and abnormal feces.
The ban on exhibitions is expected to remain in effect until the outbreak is under control, with officials monitoring the situation closely.
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