The threat of the bird flu is why you may see some changes for dairy exhibitors in Wisconsin this year. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection announced this week that it requires all lactating dairy cattle to be tested for Influenza A before any fairs and exhibitions, including the Kewaunee County Fair and the Door County Fair. Wisconsin dairy farmers have been spared so far since cases of the bird flu popped up at 93 dairies in 12 states, including neighboring Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota. Extension UW Madison Regional Educator Aerica Bjurstrom says it is believed to be passed around through milk-to-milk contact, which occurs when they are being milked. Bjurstrom adds that even though the disease is not fatal, it can be detrimental to the health of the cows and your bank account if you rely on milk production to make your living.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the risk of contracting bird flu from consuming dairy products from infected cows is low thanks to the pasteurization process that kills harmful germs. Bjurstrom recommends exhibitors schedule their veterinarians to come to their farm so their show animals can be tested before the Kewaunee County Fair, July 11th-14th, and the Door County Fair, August 14th-18th. You can find the full notice from Wisconsin DATCP below.