After more than a year on the sidelines, dairy cattle and poultry shows are returning to California fairgrounds. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has lifted its statewide ban on exhibitions, clearing the way for shows to resume.
The restriction was put in place at the beginning of 2025 as the state tracked the spread of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). After months of surveillance and review, state officials now say conditions have improved enough to allow a cautious restart.
According to the department, the decision was based on ongoing monitoring of H5N1 activity across the state, analysis of viral trend data and consultation with state and federal epidemiologists. After a detailed review, the CDFA has determined the risk associated with poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions has declined enough to allow shows to resume, provided enhanced safeguards remain in place.
State officials pointed to stronger biosecurity awareness across the industry as a factor in the decision. Over the past year, producers and exhibitors have become more familiar with transmission risks and prevention strategies, helping reduce overall exposure concerns.
As fair season draws closer, CDFA says the move gives clearer direction to youth livestock programs, breeders and exhibitors who have spent months unsure whether animals would make it back to the show ring.
While the ban has been lifted, fairgrounds and exhibitors are being urged to stay cautious. Enhanced biosecurity measures, routine health checks and careful animal handling are still recommended, especially in high-traffic areas. State monitoring of H5N1 will continue throughout the exhibition season, with officials working alongside fair organizers and animal owners as events resume.
