By Andi Anderson
The number of dairy exhibitors at this year’s Iowa State Fair remains consistent with 2023, despite concerns about the spread of avian flu.
The required testing of cows for the virus has slightly changed the makeup of participants, with more heifers female cattle that have not yet produced milk present this year compared to milking cows.
According to Mike Eilers, superintendent of dairy cattle for the fair, “overall, the numbers are similar to last year,” but many exhibitors chose to bring only heifers to avoid the risks associated with milking during the fair.
This decision is a practical one, as milking has been identified as a potential vector for the virus. As a result, the fair has shut down its “I Milked a Cow” activity and the milk parlor in the dairy barn.
Exhibitors with cows that need to be milked during the fair are required to bring their own equipment and safely dispose of the milk. Eilers noted that many producers keep their heifers in separate locations where they are not exposed to cows being milked, further reducing the risk of spreading the virus.
Despite these precautions, the quality of the livestock at the fair has not diminished. Eilers shared that this year’s heifer show was one of the best they’ve ever had, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the exhibitors.
Although Iowa has reported 13 outbreaks of the virus in dairy herds, all confined to the far northwest corner of the state, no new cases have been detected since late June.
The American Veterinary Medical Association, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maintains that the commercial milk supply remains safe, as milk from infected animals is either destroyed or pasteurized, a process that eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses.
In response to the virus, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced in June that all cows slated for transport to fairs or shows must undergo testing within a week of the event.
This statewide order, effective July 1, aims to balance the opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their animals while protecting livestock and minimizing the potential spread of the virus.
Looking ahead, Eilers is optimistic that with continued testing and no new cases reported, the Iowa State Fair can return to normal operations by next year. “Hopefully this is not something that lasts for years,” he said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-peopleimages
Categories: Iowa, Livestock, Dairy Cattle