New York State Ag Department announces new testing regulations for dairy cattle entering fairs or like summer exhibitions amidst highly pathogenic avian influenza
ALBANY, NY-The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is announcing new testing requirements for dairy cattle entering fairs or exhibitions this summer to help prevent the potential transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle.
The order, issued by the Ag Department, requires that lactating dairy cattle be tested and show negative results for HPAI within seven days prior to entering a fair, including the Great New York State Fair, county fairs, or other exhibitions.
The test must be conducted by an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab.
"With the kick-off of summer fair season just a few weeks away, we want to remain vigilant about the concerns of HPAI in dairy cattle we are seeing across the country and ensure we are doing all we can to keep our livestock safe and healthy here in New York," said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.
"By requiring this testing protocol, which will be covered, we hope to minimize the risk of the spread of HPAI while providing the opportunity for the summer traditions of entering and showing of dairy cattle at fairs and exhibitions to continue."
Be sure to listen to our latest on-air coverage with Commissioner Ball from Wednesday, June 19, 2024:
"The Department of Health supports this latest bio-surveillance protocol as we enter the summer fair season in an effort to prevent the spread avian influenza in dairy cattle in New York State," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
"As a reminder, there are still no known cases of avian influenza in livestock or in humans in New York State, and we will continue to work with the Department of Agriculture and Markets to monitor the situation and prepare for any potential risks to public health and safety."
The Department encourages industry members to follow these steps in addition to the state's order to help ensure the health and safety of animals at county fairs across New York, in addition to The Great New York State Fair.
To clarify, no cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been detected in New York livestock as of this publication, the Ag Department said.
Furthermore as of June 14, the CDC says there have been 3 human cases associated with an ongoing multi-state outbreak of A(H5N1) in U.S. dairy cows.
CDC's current A(H5N1) bird flu human health risk assessment for the U.S. general public remains low.
All three sporadic cases had direct contact with infected cows, the CDC clarified.
New York Ag Department and Markets image.
