Bird flu is spreading. That’s bad news for kids who want to show their animals at fairs this summer.
Since March, avian influenza (bird flu) hit millions of poultry flocks across 13 states. But not only birds got sick. Nearly 200 dairy herds did too. And more than a dozen farmworkers.
Alison Smith stares at the nearly empty dairy barn inside the Osceola County Fairgrounds in Michigan. Usually, the place bustles this time of year. Kids get ready to show their animals.
Alison is 16. She spent much time preparing two heifers to compete at the fair. Now Evergreen and Perfect are looking lonely.
“Normally, we have a million cows in here,” Alison says. “And just a lot of people talking and having fun catching up in the dairy barn.”
The virus caused trouble for businesses too. Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch is Michigan’s largest egg producer. Bird flu broke out at its farms. Company officials laid off close to 400 employees.
Michigan banned milk cows from fairs, along with cows in the final two months of pregnancy. That ban will stand until Michigan has gone 60 days without new bird flu cases. All other cattle must test negative within seven days of being shown. Iowa’s state fair canceled two favorite exhibits: a milking parlor and an “I Milked a Cow” experience.
“It’s kind of sad, really,” says Alison. “I miss it a lot and all the memories we’ve made in this barn.” She points to a now-empty stall. Her cow, Extraordinaire, stayed there last year. She won the Supreme Grand Champion award.
Kendra Van Order is the 4-H dairy science educator for Michigan State University Extension. She says owning and showing livestock “teaches young people to care for things other than themselves.” But part of life is about dealing with disappointment, she adds.
Kids can participate in 4-H activities until age 19. Alison has just a few years of 4-H left. She hopes 2025 will be different.
There is some good news. This bird flu isn’t very dangerous to humans. People who get it have mild symptoms.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. — Proverbs 16:9
