No Lactating Dairy Cattle At the Richland County Fair

H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers. While the current public health risk is low, the CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.

Many county fairs are also monitoring the situation to judge whether they will allow lactating dairy cattle on the grounds. Richland County Fair officials made a decision today (Thursday) to not allow them. Lyrica Marks is the Richland County Fair & Recycling Coordinator.

However, the Richland County Fair will offer a virtual dairy event.

Dairy exhibitors may also enter a substitute.

This decision to not allow exhibits of this nature pertains to lactating dairy cattle only.

Those wishing to make a substitution for their lactating dairy entry are required to contact the Richland County Fair Office by this Tuesday.

All remaining cows to be exhibited at the Richland County Fair will need to be brought to the fairground Wednesday, September 4, between 10:00 and 4:00.