Doug Goehring Agriculture Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Doug Goehring Agriculture Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
At a recent meeting, the State Board of Animal Health mandated that lactating dairy cattle must be tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) within 10 days before attending the North Dakota State Fair. The board also advised other fairs to implement similar testing requirements.
"Several states continue to have detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cows," stated Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. "Although North Dakota has not had any detections yet, we want the State Fair to be enjoyable but also provide and assure the highest level of safety for the animals and the public."
State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress advised owners planning to bring their lactating dairy cattle to contact their veterinarian for sample collection. "All costs related to the veterinarian, shipping, and lab testing by North Dakota State University will be reimbursed by the federal government," he added.
Fair organizers are encouraged to consult guidance from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). This guidance emphasizes biosecurity protocols to reduce potential spread of HPAI and other zoonotic diseases affecting both animal and human health.
The federal order requiring mandatory interstate movement testing for lactating dairy cattle used in exhibitions was issued on April 24, 2024. More information on HPAI detections in livestock is available on USDA's website. Additionally, updated HPAI information can be found on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture's website.
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