The number of Canadian cattle entered in the World Dairy Expo show has dropped by 40 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, as concerns about the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in the United States keep Canadian cattle home.
Avian influenza has spread to 14 states and 238 dairy herds as of Sept. 27, 2024. It has yet to be found in Canadian cattle. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency instituted stricter quarantine requirements for Canadian cattle moving to American cattle shows.
Here are what the changes in competitor numbers look like, according to the World Dairy Expo.
World Dairy Expo 2024
- 142 Canadian entries
- 85 cows
- 57 heifers
- 33 exhibitors
- Four provinces (ON, QC, BC, SK)
World Dairy Expo 2023
- 244 Canadian entries
- 119 cows
- 125 heifers
- 55 exhibitors
- Five provinces (ON, QC, BC, SK, MB)
