DES MOINES, Iowa (WHO) — The Iowa State Fair is cutting two attractions due to concerns about avian influenza infections in Dairy Cows. The fair also increased the testing requirements for dairy cows attending the fair.
The Milking Parlor and the I Milked a Cow Experience will not be a part of the fair this year to prevent the spread of avian flu. So far this year there have been at least ten confirmed cases of bird flu in Iowa dairy herds.
Dr. Jeff Kaisand, the Bureau Chief and State Veterinarian for the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division, said that the added safety measures balance keeping the exhibitions going with keeping the animals healthy.
“We take very seriously the health status of all animals in Iowa. We want to make sure that exhibitions can continue, but they’re continuing in a manner where we’re doing the best we can to not spread disease when animals come together. So we’re looking at also protecting the herd of the state of herd flock of the state of Iowa,” Kaisand said.
Ford Domeyer, a cattle showman at the Iowa State Fair, said the precautions are important.
“Showing cows is like a really big part of what we do so any precautions we have to take in order to continue to have the cows and have that quality of a show is definitely a necessary thing for people in the industry,” Domeyer said.
To find a full list of cattle shows visit the Iowa State Fair website.