The Sioux Empire Fair will require testing to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or H5N1) in dairy cattle. H5N1 testing will be required for all lactating dairy cattle that will be on the premises of the 2024 Sioux Empire Fair.
Exhibitors bringing lactating dairy cattle to the Sioux Empire Fair will be required to test for H5N1 influenza in all dairy cattle in attendance within seven days from the sample collection to the date of arrival to the Sioux Empire Fair. The required test is PCR using milk samples on each individual animal. Exhibitors can work with their veterinarian to submit test samples to the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL) at South Dakota State University or any other National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab. The test results must be attached to the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and turned in upon arrival at check-in. Additionally, lactating cows should be milked on personal milking machines which are not to be shared with others.
Exhibitors are not to bring any animal to the Sioux Empire Fair that is showing signs of a contagious, communicable disease. Clinical signs of H5N1 may include a decrease in feed consumption with a simultaneous decrease in rumination and rumen motility; respiratory signs including clear nasal discharge; and subsequent acute drop in milk production. Additional clinical signs may include abnormal tacky or loose feces, lethargy, dehydration, and fever. Severely affected cattle may have thicker, concentrated, colostrum-like milk or produce no milk at all.