US - California: Due to the continued spread of H5N1 Bird Flu, the State Vet has implemented a ban on all California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibiti

[sharon sanders]

January 7, 2025

State Veterinarian Bans All California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at Fairs and Shows

Dear Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibition Organizers and Managers:

H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) has become widespread among dairy cows and domestic poultry (commercial and backyard flocks) in California. In fact, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency due to these detections. Since August 2024, there have been over 700 dairy herds and 60 poultry flocks affecting over 15 million birds with new dairies and flocks being detected. 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. This action is required to minimize the danger of exposing people and non-infected cows and birds to the disease.

more....

https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/Animal_Health/docs/CA_Poulty_Dairy_Cattle_Exhibition_Ban_2025.pdf

 

[Commonground]

January 17, 2025
Avian flu prompts poultry, dairy cattle ban at California county fairs, shows

Sonoma County poultry, dairy fair exhibits may go virtual this year as a result of the ban on chickens and dairy cattle at fairs across the state.

Excerpts:

“Today, our state CDFA vet confirmed that it may be possible to lift the ban on poultry and dairy fair exhibitions late spring (or) early summer. We’ll have to wait and see if the disease spread worsens or gets better,” Solano County Agriculture Commissioner Ed King told the Business Journal. “But she understands what this means to the 4H kids, and this is why she (added this statement).”

In the meantime, “it’s not worth the risk,” King added.

Sonoma County Fair CEO Matt Daly noted that beef cattle, which is exempt from the rule, raises at least $2 million each year at the Junior Livestock Auction. He estimates the fair, which draws an average attendance of about 190,000, delivers more than $5 million in economic impact to the county.

https://www.northbaybusinessjournal...lu-leads-to-poultry-dairy-cattle-exhibit-ban/
​

​

 

[Pathfinder]

[TABLE="align: center, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"]
[TD="align: center"] [TABLE="align: center, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD] [TABLE="border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[TABLE="align: center, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"]
[TD="align: center"] [TABLE="align: center, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD]CDFA LIFTS STATEWIDE BAN ON POULTRY AND DAIRY CATTLE EXHIBITIONS[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[TABLE="align: center, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD] [TABLE="border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]

[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Release #26-008 [TABLE="border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD] [TABLE="align: right, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #0C77CF, align: center"]Español[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[TABLE="align: center, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"]
[TD="align: center"] [TABLE="align: center, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD]SACRAMENTO, CA, January 16, 2026 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has officially lifted a statewide ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows, effective immediately.

The decision follows a period of close monitoring regarding the status of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in both poultry and dairy cattle throughout the state. After conducting ongoing surveillance, reviewing viral trend data, and consulting with state and federal epidemiologists, CDFA has determined that the risks associated with these exhibitions have sufficiently decreased.

The decision to resume exhibitions would not be possible without the agricultural industry’s vigilance and commitment to biosecurity measures. The lifting of the ban is based on a comprehensive review of current H5N1 infection trends, a more robust understanding of transmission dynamics, and the implementation of enhanced mitigation measures. CDFA recognizes the importance of protecting animal health, public health, and California’s agricultural industries while also supporting youth programs, educational opportunities, and agricultural traditions across the state.


Guidance for Exhibitors and Organizers

While exhibitions are now permitted to resume, the CDFA strongly urges all fairgrounds, exhibition organizers, and exhibitors to remain vigilant. Key safety recommendations include:

• Continued Biosecurity: Implementation of enhanced biosecurity practices and disease-prevention measures is highly encouraged.

• Health Checks: Animals showing any signs of illness must not be transported or exhibited.

• Veterinary Consultation: Veterinarians should be contacted immediately if a disease is suspected.

• Reporting: If H5N1 is suspected in poultry or cattle, parties should contact the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-2473.

CDFA will continue to monitor H5N1 activity statewide and work collaboratively with fair organizers and animal owners to ensure safeguards remain effective. Additional guidance and updated recommendations for exhibitions are made available on the CDFA website (will add link upon posting).

For questions regarding this action, please contact the CDFA H5N1 Public Information Officer at cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov.

[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[TABLE="align: center, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFFFFF"]
[TD="align: center"] [TABLE="align: center, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD]CDFA’s Mission: To safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality and sustainability.[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
​


​​https://pressreleases.cdfa.ca.gov/Home/PressRelease/67425563