Fairs & Shows - Cattle

Requirements are subject to change as conditions warrant.​​

This information is current as of March 26, 2025

Cattle from Within Wisconsin

Effective June 19, 2024, lactating dairy cattle being moved to fairs, shows or other organized events for exhibitions are required by Wisconsin Summary Special Order 24-O-003 to test negative for Influenza A virus, with a sample collection date within seven days prior to movement to the event.  Official identification is required for testing – see “Acceptable Official ID for Cattle” below.

Only essential movements of dairy cattle are recommended. Premovement testing of nonlactating animals and beef cattle is not required at this time.​

There are no requirements for additional identification or tests or for health documents for cattle from within Wisconsin, unless required by the fair or show.


​Cattle from Outside Wisconsin

  • Must be accompanied by certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) documenting official animal identification (ID) and all required tests and certifications

  • Must meet all of Wisconsin’s normal requirements for import 

  • Must have official individual ID, including steers

Acceptable Animal IDs for Cattle 

  • USDA 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) RFID tag (15-digit RFID tag starting with 840)
  • AIN RFID tags from other countries (15-digit RFID tag starting with 124 for Canadian origin cattle and bison, for example)
  • AIN RFID replacement tags for cattle and bison from other countries (15-digit RFID tag starting with 964 that is Lime Green and Blue and has IMP printed on it) - indicate “import tag" on the CVI
  • If applied before November 5, 2024: USDA ear tag number that is part of the National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES) (9-digit alphanumeric number that starts with state 2-digit code, both the metal silver “brite" tag and the metal orange brucellosis vaccination tag (e.g. 35ABC1234))
  • If applied before November 5, 2024: USDA 840 AIN Visual tag (15-digit visual only tag starting with 840)
  • If applied before March 11, 2015: American ID tag (8-12-digit number prefaced with "USA")
  • If applied before March 11, 2015: Manufacturer-coded RFID tag (15-digit number with the first three digits in a 900 series, such as 980, 982 or 985)

Influenza A Virus Requirements for Cattle from Outside Wisconsin

Effective April 29, 2024, lactating dairy cattle moving across state lines are required by a USDA Federal Order to test negative for Influenza A virus, with a sample collection date within seven days prior to interstate movement. 

In addition, effective June 19, 2024, lactating dairy cattle being moved to fairs, shows or other organized events for exhibitions in Wisconsin are required by Wisconsin Summary Special Order 24-O-003 to test negative for Influenza A virus, with a sample collection date within seven days prior to movement to the event.

Testing to return to the farm of origin is not required if the event lasts no more than 10 days unless your state of origin has additional requirements.

Only essential movements are recommended. Premovement testing of nonlactating animals and beef cattle is not required at this time.  

​Brucellosis Requirements for Cattle from Outside Wisconsin

​There are no requirements for brucellosis testing or vaccination.

Tuberculosis (TB) Requirements for Cattle from Outside Wisconsin

​Cattle from Canada, Mexico, and Other Countries​