Opinion Editor’s Note: Editorials represent the views of the Star Tribune editorial board, which operates independently of the newsroom.
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Hanna Gudknecht, 16, is naturally blunt when asked why she has not exhibited her Holstein cow this year due to growing fears about a virus affecting dairy cows.
“It’s really going to suck,” said Gudknecht, who attends Kenyon-Wanamingo schools and is a member of the Aspelund Ever Readies 4-H club.
For rural teens like Gudknecht, summer fairs and livestock shows are a highlight of the summer. There’s a satisfaction in seeing the hard work of preparing an animal for judging — the constant clipping, grooming and bathing that begins long before you set foot on the fairgrounds — pay off, not only with blue ribbons, but also potentially a trip to the Minnesota State Fair. There are friends to see and make at the competitions, as well as the multi-colored lights and other Midway delights that typically accompany these events.
It’s unfortunate that a generation of young livestock exhibitors who have already weathered COVID-19 cancellations are now faced with a new set of necessary public health precautions that could jeopardize their ability to show their animals this summer. A highly pathogenic type of influenza typically found in birds has begun infecting dairy cows. As of July 2, the American Veterinary Medical Association reports that the H5N1 virus has been confirmed in 12 states, with “27 herds in Idaho, 25 each in Michigan and Colorado, 21 in Texas, 12 in Iowa, eight in New Mexico, six in Minnesota, five in South Dakota, four in Kansas, and one each in North Carolina, Ohio and Wyoming.”
Although the virus has a high mortality rate in poultry, infected cattle appear to be recovering with supportive care so far, although milk production may be reduced. There is, however, sufficient reason to be cautious. There appears to be cow-to-cow transmission. At the same time, four human cases have been linked to the outbreak in dairy cows. All four have recovered, with three having conjunctivitis-like symptoms, but these cases are a reminder that livestock viruses can pose a threat to human health and other species.
Minnesota state health and agriculture officials should be commended for implementing smart new safeguards to prevent livestock shows from accelerating transmission. In mid-June, the Minnesota Animal Health Board released new guidelines for dairy cow exhibits just in time for the peak summer fair season.
The new precautions do not prohibit competition. But exhibitors who present a lactating dairy cow will have to present a negative H5N1 test result within seven days of arriving at the competition and carry a veterinary inspection certificate.
These requirements remain in effect through the end of 2024. Additionally, testing must be performed at a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab. It is important to note that testing is free, and the federal government covers the cost or reimburses owners.
Minnesota was one of the first states to implement such safeguards, and its requirements are more comprehensive than many other states. Wisconsin announced similar testing requirements in mid-June. Iowa will also require testing for fairs and exhibitions, but did not announce measures until June 25, which is unfortunate because that state’s county fair season starts early.
North Dakota will require testing for state fair exhibitors, but is only encouraging county fairs and other events to adopt the policy. South Dakota is not requiring testing, though federal testing requirements for interstate travel still apply to it and all other states.
Minnesota’s prudent approach is the responsible step to take to protect the state’s poultry and dairy industry and public health.
The new policy has created additional work for organizers of county fairs and other exhibitions. To avoid having to verify testing and other requirements, some fairs are temporarily waiving dairy cow competitions, though calves and “dry cows” often can still compete, according to officials with the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs. The reason the precautions are focused on dairy cattle:
“Milk is the primary source of transmission and represents the highest known risk, so ensuring that lactating dairy cows are negative prior to the event reduces the risk of spread via milking equipment,” said Michael Crusan, a spokesman for the Board of Animal Health, who noted that milking equipment may be shared by exhibitors during a competition. Cattle and other livestock typically remain on-site for several days during the competition.
Some families are also planning to leave their dairy cows at home this year to avoid the risk of a cow returning from a fair and potentially infecting the herd.
Unfortunately, this leaves many 4-H members disappointed, like Gudknecht.
In times like these, it’s important for Minnesota’s young competitors to remember that one of the four H’s of 4-H is “health.” The other three are head, heart and hands. This venerable organization has a noble mission that extends far beyond blue ribbons and the show ring. It also has a long history of preparing its members to be good citizens on and off the farm, with community service activities a priority throughout the year.
This year, 4-H members and other youth agricultural clubs find themselves on the front lines of an alarming virus. There is a larger, more memorable lesson to be learned. In life, the collective good sometimes requires individual sacrifice. Nevertheless, those who care about their community are stepping up.
Gudknecht gets it. She wants to protect her family’s dairy herd and Minnesota agriculture, which is exactly the right attitude. While this is a setback, she knows it’s not permanent. “We can always hope that next year will come true,” she said.
The editorial board includes David Banks, Jill Burcum, Denise Johnson and John Rash. Star Tribune Opinion staffers Maggie Kelly, Kavita Kumar and Elena Neuzil, as well as intern Aurora Weirens, also contribute to the story. Star Tribune CEO and publisher Steve Grove serves as an advisor to the board.
