High Path Avian Flu is still top of mind for producers across the United States. It has even had an impact on the way state fairs are being handled this season when it comes to dairy cows.
Jeremy Parson with the Iowa State Fair says they are doing their part to keep animals and visitors safe.
“Really, for the fairgoers, the big change you’ll see is there will be no milking parlor. So many people enjoy sitting outside there and watching those cows being milked. Really because of the way HPAI is transferred and transmitted, we need to make sure we’re not contaminating milking equipment, so no dairy, no milking parlor at this year’s fair. However, don’t worry, you can still get that shake at the dairy barn, or you go inside the cattle barn. We’ve for many years had the “I Milked A Cow” exhibit where you get a chance to work with the Iowa State University Dairy Science Club to milk a dairy cow. That’s not going to happen this year. However, there’ll still be other educational things involved in there. The Boulevard of Dairy Breeds will continue as well. It will be more of a display of dairy heifers and actual cows that are lactating but still going to get a full representation of the dairy industry.”
Oklahoma recently became the 13th state to confirm High Path Avian Flu in a dairy herd. Officials still stress the milk supply remains safe when treated with the proper pasteurization process.
