Nebraska State Fair Will Require New Test for Dairy Cows Amid H5N1 Concerns

By Meghan O'Brien

After multiple surrounding states reported H5N1 cases in dairy cows, Nebraska officials are looking to get ahead of the issue.

Event organizers said the dairy parlor will still be a feature attraction at this year’s Nebraska State Fair, but owners bringing dairy cows will need to have milk tested within seven days of arriving at the fairgrounds.

Jaime Parr, executive director of the Nebraska State Fair, said sharing concerns with state experts and partners was key in making the decision to preserve the parlor.

“Currently there are zero cases of H5N1 in the state of Nebraska,” Parr said. “We are certainly aware, though, of what's happening around us in other states, and being mindful of that it caused the communications with the Health Department and the Department of Ag and the State Vet.”

As opening day approaches, officials are continuing to monitor livestock, according to state fair agriculture director Vaughn Sievers.

“Right now, there is not a positive case in the state of Nebraska but if there is one, they're going to let us know as it gets closer,” he said. “So this is not done. I mean, we're going to continue to communicate.”