Alternatives to Live Lactating Dairy Cow Activities at 4-H & Youth Dairy-Related Shows & Events
June 3, 2024
MSU Extension has identified opportunities for 4-H’ers with dairy-related projects to showcase their work at their fair.
FILE DOWNLOADHighly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a virus that infects wild and domestic birds. Recently, it has also been found in other mammals, most commonly dairy cattle. On May 1, 2024, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) issued an executive order to prevent the further spread of HPAI in the state. As part of the order, known as HRRRO, exhibition of the following is prohibited:
This order may affect county and regional fairs, as well as other local events, that fall within the specified 30 day poultry and 60 day dairy cattle window. In the event these animals cannot be exhibited at fairs, Michigan State University Extension has identified opportunities for 4-H’ers in these project areas to showcase their work. County 4-H program coordinators will be able to determine if they would like to offer these approved alternative classes or any additional contests to their 4-H participants, to supplement the learning experience at the fair. For the current listing of HPAI detections in Michigan, visit the MDARD avian influenza website.
On June 26, MDARD issued an amendment to the executive order that stated:
These updates are effective as of July 1.
In addition, under the initial HRRRO, Michigan had to go 30 consecutive days without a new HPAI A (H5N1) detection in poultry before showing poultry at fairs could be reinstated. On June 8, 2024, the state reached 30 consecutive days without a new HPAI A(H5N1) detection, which lifted the restrictions on poultry exhibitions outlined. The prohibition on all lactating cows and animals from farms impacted by HPAI A(H5n1) remains in effect, as outlined in the original HRRRO.
According to the CDC, the public health risk associated with HPAI remains low and the commercial food supply remains safe due to both federal animal health requirements and pasteurization. Properly prepared and cooked poultry products remain safe to consume, as does pasteurized milk.
June 3, 2024
MSU Extension has identified opportunities for 4-H’ers with dairy-related projects to showcase their work at their fair.
FILE DOWNLOADMay 17, 2024
This resource provides recommendations for fair managers to consider regarding what number of photos and length of videos to permit for virtual entries.
FILE DOWNLOADMay 16, 2024
MSU Extension wants to provide opportunities for 4-H’ers with avian-related projects to showcase their work and to offer them valuable learning experiences in the project area in instances where live bird activities cannot take place.
FILE DOWNLOADMay 30, 2024
The following approved alternatives to poultry shows and other live bird activities can offer valuable learning experiences in the project area.
FILE DOWNLOADMay 16, 2024
MSU Extension wants to provide opportunities for 4-H’ers with avian-related projects to showcase their work and to offer them valuable learning experiences in the project area in instances when live bird activities cannot take place.
FILE DOWNLOADMay 8, 2024
In cases where birds can't be seen in person, online judging is a great opportunity for youth to share what they have learned and receive feedback from a judge to help them think about their goals and plans for next year.
FILE DOWNLOADMay 8, 2024
This scorecard can be used by judges of 4-H poultry shows that cannot showcase live birds due to avian influenza.
FILE DOWNLOADJune 9, 2022
This sign can be used to educate people about avian influenza.
FILE DOWNLOADJune 9, 2022
This sign can by used by fairs to communicate to the public why live birds are not present at the event.
FILE DOWNLOADJune 5, 2024
This letter has been created by MSU Extension as a resource to inform livestock auction attendees about the current events surrounding Michigan dairy and poultry sectors and how it is affecting lactating dairy and all poultry exhibitions.
FILE DOWNLOADAugust 11, 2016
Good biosecurity practices means monitoring public health.
FILE DOWNLOADJune 26, 2024
A 12x18 sign that can be used outside barns to encourage good biosecurity.
FILE DOWNLOAD