State Fairs Turn to Fake Cows for Milking Demos Amid Bird Flu Threat
Source: DairyNews.today
As avian flu spreads across the U.S., impacting both livestock and dairy workers, state fairs have been forced to adopt creative solutions to maintain beloved traditions. This year, Michigan’s state fair is featuring two fiberglass cows, Milkshake and Buttercup, in place of live cows for its popular milking demonstrations, a move aimed at protecting both humans and animals from the H5N1 virus.
The use of artificial cows isn’t limited to Michigan. In Minnesota, state fair organizers have introduced Olympia, a fake dairy cow, as part of their milking event. "Normally, we'd have a real cow out there," said Jill Nathe, deputy general manager of agriculture and competition at the Minnesota State Fair. "We just can't do that right now."
This shift comes as avian flu continues to make headlines, with cattle herds and four dairy workers in the U.S. testing positive for the virus this year. The spread of H5N1 has disrupted fairs and competitions, with organizers implementing strict safety protocols to protect both animals and visitors. In some cases, dairy shows have been canceled, such as in Michigan, while Iowa’s state fair shuttered its milking barn altogether.
Farmers and exhibitors are now facing increased logistical hurdles, including mandatory testing for lactating cattle, as fairs enforce stricter biosecurity measures. In Wisconsin, dairy cattle must test negative for H5N1 within seven days of arriving at fairgrounds. This added complexity has led to some farmers, like Rick “RT” Thompson, carefully coordinating testing schedules with veterinarians to meet fair deadlines.
In Michigan, all lactating cows have been banned fr om public exhibitions until the state reaches 60 days without a new case of infection. However, with new cases emerging, the state’s dairy shows have already been affected for the 2024 season.
Despite these disruptions, some fairgoers remain unconcerned about the risk posed by H5N1. In Wisconsin, wh ere dairy plays a central role at the state fair, visitors continue to enjoy the usual offerings like cream puffs and cheese curds, seemingly unphased by the virus. "I don't think it's a big risk," said O.E. Glieber, an 88-year-old fairgoer from Delafield, Wisconsin. "The CDC overreacts with a lot of stuff."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that H5N1 remains a low risk for the general public. However, they have advised visitors to avoid eating, drinking, or touching anything in animal areas at fairs. More than 190 dairy herds across the country have been infected with the virus since March, and 13 farm workers who contracted the virus after exposure to infected animals have all recovered.
As state and county fairs navigate these challenges, many are relying on creative workarounds like artificial cows to keep traditions alive while ensuring public safety. While the return of live animals remains uncertain, organizers and farmers are hopeful that next year will bring a return to normalcy.
This shift comes as avian flu continues to make headlines, with cattle herds and four dairy workers in the U.S. testing positive for the virus this year. The spread of H5N1 has disrupted fairs and competitions, with organizers implementing strict safety protocols to protect both animals and visitors. In some cases, dairy shows have been canceled, such as in Michigan, while Iowa’s state fair shuttered its milking barn altogether.
Farmers and exhibitors are now facing increased logistical hurdles, including mandatory testing for lactating cattle, as fairs enforce stricter biosecurity measures. In Wisconsin, dairy cattle must test negative for H5N1 within seven days of arriving at fairgrounds. This added complexity has led to some farmers, like Rick “RT” Thompson, carefully coordinating testing schedules with veterinarians to meet fair deadlines.
In Michigan, all lactating cows have been banned fr om public exhibitions until the state reaches 60 days without a new case of infection. However, with new cases emerging, the state’s dairy shows have already been affected for the 2024 season.
Despite these disruptions, some fairgoers remain unconcerned about the risk posed by H5N1. In Wisconsin, wh ere dairy plays a central role at the state fair, visitors continue to enjoy the usual offerings like cream puffs and cheese curds, seemingly unphased by the virus. "I don't think it's a big risk," said O.E. Glieber, an 88-year-old fairgoer from Delafield, Wisconsin. "The CDC overreacts with a lot of stuff."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that H5N1 remains a low risk for the general public. However, they have advised visitors to avoid eating, drinking, or touching anything in animal areas at fairs. More than 190 dairy herds across the country have been infected with the virus since March, and 13 farm workers who contracted the virus after exposure to infected animals have all recovered.
As state and county fairs navigate these challenges, many are relying on creative workarounds like artificial cows to keep traditions alive while ensuring public safety. While the return of live animals remains uncertain, organizers and farmers are hopeful that next year will bring a return to normalcy.
