The California Department of Food and Agriculture has officially lifted a statewide ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows, allowing animals to return to exhibition barns across the state. The action, effective immediately, comes after months of monitoring and analysis of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza activity.
The ban was originally put in place in early 2025 as H5N1 bird flu spread among poultry and dairy herds in California and across the nation, prompting concern over disease transmission at large gatherings like county fairs and livestock shows. At that time, state officials said the restriction was necessary to protect unaffected animals and slow the virus’s spread.
According to the CDFA, the decision to rescind the ban follows a comprehensive review of current infection trends, improved understanding of how the virus spreads and the implementation of enhanced mitigation measures. State and federal epidemiologists were consulted in assessing the risk, which CDFA determined has sufficiently decreased to allow exhibitions to resume.
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CDFA officials credited the agricultural community’s strong commitment to biosecurity for helping pave the way for this change. The state stressed that protecting animal and public health remains a top priority, alongside supporting agricultural traditions and youth education programs.
While exhibitions are now permitted, CDFA is urging fairgrounds, organizers and exhibitors to remain vigilant. The department’s guidance encourages continued biosecurity and disease-prevention practices. Exhibitors are advised not to transport or exhibit animals showing signs of illness and to consult veterinarians promptly if disease is suspected. Suspected H5N1 cases in poultry or cattle should be reported to the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-2473.
The ban’s lifting is welcome news for youth livestock programs like 4-H and FFA, which rely on animal exhibitions as part of their educational and competitive activities. Shows at county fairs — key events for many young agriculturalists — can now proceed after being halted for nearly a year.
State officials noted that they will continue to monitor H5N1 activity in California and work collaboratively with fair organizers and animal owners to ensure safeguards remain effective. Additional guidance on best practices for exhibitions will be available through the CDFA website.
