New rules require testing for bird flu of dairy cattle in fairs, exhibitions

Dairy cattle participating in Iowa fairs or exhibitions will be required to undergo more testing as state officials hope to limit the spread of bird flu. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

by Jack O’Connor, Iowa Capital Dispatch
June 25, 2024

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced new avian flu testing requirements Tuesday for dairy cattle in Iowa fairs and exhibitions.

Dairy exhibitors will be required to test for avian flu in dairy cattle within seven days of moving to an exhibition, starting in July.

“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza isn’t just a poultry issue or a dairy issue, it’s an issue for all of agriculture,” Naig said in a news release. “We should expect additional challenges ahead and as the situation continues to evolve, we will also continue to evaluate our response.”

Following detections in dairy cattle on June 7, all dairy herds within 20 kilometers of an infected poultry farm must be tested for bird flu.

As of Tuesday, there have been 11 cases of bird flu in dairy cattle in June, primarily in Sioux County.

Naig also called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide more resources to farmers impacted by avian flu and thanked Iowa farmers for their help and understanding.

The USDA announced Tuesday it is launching a pilot program in four states for voluntary testing for bird flu of bulk milk tanks at dairies.

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