SACRAMENTO — In a letter to industry stakeholders, the California Department of Food and Agriculture announced that it would be lifting its statewide ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows. The ban was initially put into place on Jan. 7, 2025, due to the widespread outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry and dairy cattle in California and the country.
Since then, the CDFA has closely monitored the outbreak through surveillance and collaboration with epidemiologists and animal health partners at various levels.
After a year of monitoring HPAI, the CDFA determined that the risk posed by poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions has greatly decreased, leading them to end the ban, effective immediately.
“This decision was not made lightly,” Dr. Annette Jones, California state veterinarian, wrote in the letter. “CDFA recognizes the importance of protecting animal health, public health and California’s agricultural industries while also supporting youth programs, educational opportunities, and agricultural traditions across the state.”
Although poultry and dairy cattle will now be allowed to return to fairs and shows, the CDFA strongly suggests that all fairgrounds, exhibition organizers, and exhibitors continue executing biosecurity practices and disease-prevention measures. If any animals display signs of illness, owners should not bring them to any fairs or shows and should contact veterinarians immediately.
“CDFA will continue close monitoring of H5N1 activity statewide and will work collaboratively with fair organizers and animal owners to ensure appropriate safeguards remain in place,” Jones added.
Additional information for exhibitions can be found on the CDFA’s website at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov.
