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While a cow's distinctive “mug” and potent smell may be synonymous with and even appreciated at state fairs across the country, some places are swapping Bessie for faux bovines this year.
The move comes after bird flu infected nearly 200 livestock herds for the first time this year, forcing fair organizers in some states to get creative.
“Normally, we would have a real cow there,” Jill Nathe, assistant general manager of agriculture and competition at the Minnesota State Fair, told Reuters. “But now we can't do that.”
Instead, the fair's popular Moo stand will feature Olympia, a cow substitute, for its milking demonstration.
COWS INFECTED WITH BIRD FLU HAVE DIED IN 5 STATES AS EXPERTS KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON THE DISEASE
An exhibitor shows off a cow at the state fair in West Allis, Wisconsin, U.S., on August 9, 2024. Dairy producers are taking precautions with bird flu testing while exhibiting cattle during the fair. (Reuters/Jim Vindruska)
The fair has also provided gloves and masks for people working with livestock at the fair, and pregnant cows are not allowed in the fair's calving center.
Similarly, at the Michigan State Fair, real cattle will be replaced in its milking demonstration by Milkshake and Buttercup, fiberglass cows that have rubber teats and water-filled udders.
Thirteen farm workers have also been infected with bird flu and some experts fear that the figure is an underestimate. All the workers have recovered.
Elsewhere, like the Iowa State Fair, interactive cow attractions have been canceled entirely, and many states are requiring animals to test negative before being allowed inside.
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A large fiberglass cow on a farm. (Edwin Remsburg/VW Photos via Getty Images)
Jennifer and Bethany Droessler of Wisconsin brought cattle to the fair but decided to keep a lactating cow at home as a precaution.
“We're looking ahead to next year and hope it won't be a problem,” Jennifer Droessler told Reuters.
An exhibitor trims a cow's hair at the state fair in West Allis, Wisconsin, U.S., August 9, 2024. Dairy farmers are taking precautions with bird flu testing while exhibiting cattle during the fair. REUTERS/Jim Vondruska
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the virus does not pose a high risk to the public outside of livestock settings.
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The CDC has advised fairgoers to be careful about eating, drinking or touching anything near the animals while enjoying the event.
Reuters contributed to this report.
