June 14, 2024
HPAI Guidance for Shows and Fairs - Lactating Dairy Cattle
Please note: This guidance is specific for cattle moving within the state of Colorado to shows and fairs (not crossing state lines). Cattle moving across state lines must also comply with interstate movement requirements. Cattle demonstrating clinical signs consistent with HPAI are required to be reported to the State Veterinarian’s Office and are ineligible for movement.
As this outbreak is ongoing and dynamic, the current guidance is subject to change.
Current Situation
HPAI strain H5N1 has been circulating in the United States since early 2022. This virus has been carried and spread primarily by wild birds. When introduced into poultry populations, it causes significant illness and death in poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc.).
In March 2024, the virus was confirmed in dairy herds in Texas and Kansas. Since that time, it has been detected in dozens of dairy operations across many states, including Colorado. While the exact mechanism of transmission of the virus in dairy cattle is unknown, it does appear to transmit directly from cow to cow and also from dairy to poultry operations. On April 25, 2024, USDA issued a federal order requiring testing of lactating cattle moving interstate. On April 30, 2024, CDA adopted an emergency rule to protect the health of Colorado’s livestock and poultry industries and to implement the requirements of the federal order.
Event Recommendations
Commingling of lactating dairy cattle may present a risk for disease introduction and transmission of HPAI. The decision to postpone or cancel shows, sales, or events is up to the event organizers, except in the event of quarantine, health order, or movement restrictions.
If events do take place, the State Veterinarian’s Office recommends that livestock owners and event organizers implement precautionary measures to minimize the transmission of HPAI, including:
Prior to Event
Practice enhanced biosecurity and monitor cattle for clinical signs. Livestock owners should work with their veterinarian to test lactating dairy cattle for Influenza A within 7 days prior to movement to the show/event. Testing guidance can be found at ag.colorado.gov/HPAIcattle.
During the Event
Event organizers and livestock owners should implement biosecurity measures to limit potential transmission of the virus between cattle, and to poultry, during the event. Livestock owners and superintendents should monitor lactating dairy cattle during the event for clinical signs of HPAI; if cattle become ill, report the case to the event veterinarian and isolate the affected animal(s).
Post Event
Livestock owners should isolate cattle for 30 days when returning home and continue to monitor for clinical signs.
Resources
CDA:
USDA: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/guidance-dairy-cattle-livestock-exhibition.pdf
Event Biosecurity: Kansas State Biosecurity Toolkit