AgFest needs to let you know of an important update regarding livestock exhibitions at AgFest 2025. On January 7, 2025, the California State Veterinarian issued a statewide ban on the exhibition of poultry and dairy cattle at fairs and shows due to the continued spread of H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) among dairy herds and domestic poultry populations.
This ban has been issued to minimize the risk of exposing non-infected animals and individuals to the disease. The restriction will remain in place until further notice. While the ban is currently written to remain in effect until further notice, we do not yet know if it will be lifted by the time of AgFest 2025 in June. We want all exhibitors to be fully aware that if the restriction remains active, poultry and dairy cattle will not be eligible for exhibition or sale at AgFest 2025.
We strongly encourage poultry and dairy cattle owners to follow enhanced biosecurity measures to prevent disease spread, including avoiding comingling of animals, limiting equipment sharing, and monitoring animals for symptoms of illness.
We are committed to sharing this information with you as quickly as it becomes available because we understand how significantly it impacts your projects. As the situation evolves, AgFest will continue to communicate updates to ensure you remain informed. For any updates, please refer to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) website or contact the CDFA Animal Health Branch at 916-217-7517.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this situation. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Jimmy Hutchinson at agfestlvstck@gmail.com or Josh Hiatt at agfest-president@sanjoaquinagfest.org.
Click the link below to view the official letter from CDFA regarding the ban.
CDFA Dairy and Poultry Exhibition Ban