In response to the ongoing spread of the H5N1 bird flu in California, State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones has temporarily banned all poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows.
A letter dated Jan. 8 to fairground managers and board chairs from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) stated the agency is monitoring the situation and will reassess the ban in the coming months. CDFA said the measure aims to protect uninfected animals and prevent disease transmission.
Poultry and dairy owners are urged to enhance biosecurity, avoid wild bird contact and report suspicious illnesses to their veterinarian or the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-2473 to help mitigate the spread of H5N1.
