CDC issues warning about bird flu cases
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The cow's distinctive “moo” and heady smell may be synonymous, even cherished, at state fairs across the country, but this year some are replacing Bessie with a fake cow.
The decision comes as bird flu infected a herd of about 200 cattle for the first time this year, forcing fair organizers in some states to get creative.
“Normally we would have real cattle on display,” Jill Nace, assistant general manager of agriculture and competition at the Minnesota State Fair, told Reuters. “We just can't do that right now.”
Instead, the fair's popular Moo booth will feature milking demonstrations using Olympia, a cow substitute.
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An exhibitor displays cattle at the State Fair in West Allis, Wisconsin, USA, on Aug. 9, 2024. Dairy farmers take precautions when exhibiting cattle during the fair, including testing them for avian flu. (Reuters/Jim Windleska)
The fair is also providing gloves and masks to people handling livestock on site, and pregnant cows are not allowed in the fair's calving center.
Similarly, the Michigan State Fair will use fiberglass cows with rubber nipples and water-filled udders, named Milkshake and Buttercup, instead of real cows in its milking demonstrations.
Thirteen farm workers have also been infected with bird flu, leading some experts to worry that the number of cases may be under-reported. All of them have recovered.
Other locations, such as the Iowa State Fair, have canceled all hands-on cow attractions, and many states require animals to test negative before being allowed in.
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An oversized fiberglass cow on a farm. (Edwin Remsberg/VW Pics via Getty Images)
Jennifer and Bethany Drossler of Wisconsin brought their cows to the fair but decided to keep their dairy cows at home just to be safe.
“We're aiming for next year and hopefully there won't be any issues,” Jennifer Drossler told Reuters.
An exhibitor shears a cow at the state fair in West Allis, Wisconsin, USA, August 9, 2024. Dairy farmers are taking precautions, such as testing their cows for avian flu, when exhibiting them during the fair. REUTERS/Jim Vondruska
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the virus does not pose a significant risk to the general public outside livestock farming settings.
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The CDC advises visitors to be careful when visiting the fair and to avoid eating, drinking or touching any objects near the animals.
Reuters contributed to this report.
