California bans dairy cattle, poultry shows due to H5N1

California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones has implemented a statewide ban on dairy cattle and poultry exhibitions to help contain the spread of H5N1 avian influenza. The ban will stay in effect until the outbreak is brought under control. 

H5N1 avian influenza has become widespread among dairy cows and domestic poultry (commercial and backyard flocks) in California. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in December due to increasing detections.

“Due to the continued spread of H5N1 bird flu in California, the State Veterinarian has implemented a ban on all California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at fairs and shows immediately until further notice,” the California Department of Food and Agriculture announced in a news release. “This action is required to minimize the danger of exposing people and non-infected cows and birds to the disease.”

Since the outbreak began in August 2024, more than 700 dairy herds and 60 poultry flocks have been affected, impacting over 15 million birds across California. In the past 30 days alone, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has reported 149 new confirmed cases in the state. With infections continuing to emerge, the statewide ban is a critical measure to help prevent the virus from spreading further.

Dairy and poultry are urged to take immediate action to safeguard their livestock from the ongoing H5N1 Bird Flu outbreak. Recommended measures include preventing contact between livestock and wild birds or other potentially infected animals, avoiding the movement or sharing of possibly contaminated equipment, and maintaining strict sanitation practices.

“Enhanced biosecurity is essential to protecting livestock and poultry from this devastating disease,” the CDFA emphasized. “Producers must prevent contact with wild bird populations and avoid any practices that might facilitate the transfer of the virus.”

Clinical signs of H5N1 bird flu in cattle include reduced feed intake, a significant drop in milk production — sometimes resulting in thick, colostrum-like milk or no milk production at all — respiratory distress, nasal discharge, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and abnormal feces.

The ban on dairy and poultry exhibitions is expected to remain in place until the outbreak is contained. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.