As the H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to impact U.S. dairy herds in California. In response, the state has imposed a ban on all dairy and poultry exhibitions, which has been in a smaller effect since January.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will re-evaluate the risks monthly and lift the ban when it is deemed safe.
The ban primarily targets dairy cattle classes associated with higher transmission risk, including bred cattle close to calving, lactating cows, and recently dried-off cows with certain animals such as dairy bulls, feeder calves, and steers, exempt as they have not been strongly linked to the spread.
The CDFA’s goal is to minimize the spread of the virus, particularly as the 2025 fair season begins amid ongoing outbreaks. This precautionary measure, unique to California, will remain in effect until case numbers decline and the risk subsides.
Photo Credit: The USDA
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