At a recent meeting, the State Board of Animal Health decided that lactating dairy cattle must be tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) within 10 days before attending the North Dakota State Fair. The board also advised other fairs to implement similar testing requirements.
“Several states continue to have detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cows,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Although North Dakota has not had any detections yet, we want the State Fair to be enjoyable but also provide and assure the highest level of safety for the animals and the public.”
State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress advised owners of lactating dairy cattle planning to attend the fair to contact their veterinarians for sample collection. “All costs related to the veterinarian, shipping, and lab testing by North Dakota State University will be reimbursed by the federal government,” he stated.
Fair and exhibition leaders are encouraged to review guidance from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). This guidance focuses on biosecurity measures aimed at reducing the spread of HPAI and other contagious zoonotic diseases affecting both animals and humans.
A federal order issued on April 24, 2024, mandates HPAI testing for lactating dairy cattle involved in interstate movement for exhibitions. Additional information on HPAI detections can be found on USDA’s website, while updates from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture are available online as well.
