DES MOINES, Iowa (WHO) — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced on Tuesday new testing requirements for dairy cattle participating in fairs and exhibitions following the rising number of herds testing positive for bird flu.
So far there have been 11 confirmed cases of bird flu in dairy herds in the state, with most of those cases being in Sioux County.
As fair and exhibition season approaches there are now new testing requirements to help limit the spread of the virus. Starting July 1 dairy exhibitors will be required to complete tests for bird flu within seven days of transporting their cattle to a show.
“The Department is issuing a statewide order effective July 1 that will require additional tests for HPAI prior to dairy cattle participating at our state’s many fairs and exhibitions,” Naig said in the announcement. “We want to strike a balance between allowing our 4-H, FFA, and dairy exhibitors the opportunity to show their animals, while also requiring additional testing to protect our livestock and minimize the potential spread of the virus.”
To learn more about the new testing requirements and other response measures that have been taken visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.