Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Recommendations to Minimize Influenza Transmission at Dairy Cattle Livestock Exhibitions
May 22, 2024
Background
Since late March 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, and state veterinary and public health officials have been investigating
the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cows. This disease is deadly to domestic
poultry. While it causes less severe illness in cattle than in poultry, the disease remains of concern for all
livestock and also for humans who come into contact with infected animals.
USDA has identified spread of this disease between cows within the same herd, spread from cows to
poultry, spread between dairies associated with cattle movements, and cows without clinical signs that
have tested positive.
Fairs and exhibitions provide an opportunity for learning and to showcase the hard work invested in
agricultural animals. Unfortunately, these exhibitions also provide an opportunity for illness to spread
among animals from multiple herds. Appropriate measures should be taken to minimize the potential
for spread of influenza. It may not be possible to prevent all transmission of influenza viruses at livestock
exhibitions. The measures described here are offered for careful consideration depending on the needs
of the specific exhibition.
...
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/guidance-dairy-cattle-livestock-exhibition.pdf
May 22, 2024
Background
Since late March 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, and state veterinary and public health officials have been investigating
the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cows. This disease is deadly to domestic
poultry. While it causes less severe illness in cattle than in poultry, the disease remains of concern for all
livestock and also for humans who come into contact with infected animals.
USDA has identified spread of this disease between cows within the same herd, spread from cows to
poultry, spread between dairies associated with cattle movements, and cows without clinical signs that
have tested positive.
Fairs and exhibitions provide an opportunity for learning and to showcase the hard work invested in
agricultural animals. Unfortunately, these exhibitions also provide an opportunity for illness to spread
among animals from multiple herds. Appropriate measures should be taken to minimize the potential
for spread of influenza. It may not be possible to prevent all transmission of influenza viruses at livestock
exhibitions. The measures described here are offered for careful consideration depending on the needs
of the specific exhibition.
...
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/guidance-dairy-cattle-livestock-exhibition.pdf