The Big Fresno Fair is canceling its dairy shows with concerns of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on the rise.
The cancellations come after Central Valley dairies have had positive tests for the bird flu pop up with their livestock.
The big picture: All lactating cow shows have been canceled, including Dairy Milk Cow Classes for cows that are two years or older and currently in milk.
- The fair will also not have any milking demonstrations this year, based on guidance from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
- With all onsite dairy shows being canceled, the fair will offer an online Dairy Replacement Heifer Sale, similar to what it did during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The sale is scheduled for Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Exhibitors will not be charged a withdrawal fee if they choose to remove the heifer from the sale.
State of play: The fair said in an announcement that it continues to implement its robust Consumer Protection and Biosecurity plans in the Livestock Pavilion and throughout the fairgrounds.
- HPAI does not pose a threat to other species that will be exhibited at the fair.
What they’re saying: “It is our focus to make the best decision for the dairy industry and these students, while also providing the important experience of participating in the Fair’s livestock exhibition,” said Terri O’Leary-Collins with the fair’s livestock department. “Given the current situation with HPAI this is the best path forward and we remain committed to work alongside the dairy industry to ensure these students have buyers for their animal projects so they can recoup costs and continue to participation in livestock exhibition in the future.”
