Poultry and Dairy Shows Resume Statewide

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has lifted the statewide ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows, effective immediately. CDFA says the decision follows months of careful monitoring of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry and dairy cattle across California. After reviewing surveillance data, tracking viral trends, and consulting with state and federal epidemiologists, CDFA determined that the risk associated with exhibitions has decreased.

CDFA credits the agricultural community’s strong commitment to biosecurity for helping make the return of exhibitions possible, while still protecting animal and public health and supporting youth programs and agricultural traditions.

As events resume, CDFA urges everyone to stay vigilant. Enhanced biosecurity and disease-prevention practices are strongly encouraged. Animals showing any signs of illness should not be transported or exhibited, and veterinarians should be contacted immediately if disease is suspected. If H5N1 is suspected in poultry or cattle, CDFA asks exhibitors and organizers to report it to the Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-2473.