Before the Fair

Disease prevention starts before exhibitors leave home. Only healthy animals should be entered in the fair. You should also:

• Make sure veterinary health inspections and vaccinations are current for all animals you take.
• Follow veterinary guidelines on vaccination and withdrawal times.
• Clean and disinfect tools, equipment, and trailers, since these items could carry disease.
• Take and record rectal temperatures for one week prior to the fair to identify “normal”.

During the Fair

The fair environment can be stressful for animals, making them more likely to become sick. To limit this risk, follow these guidelines:

• Limit contact between animals.
• Limit contact between people and animals.
• Avoid sharing equipment with other exhibitors.
• Change your fair clothing, including shoes, before going home.
• Take and record rectal temperatures daily and monitor for changes in trends or behavior. Notify your veterinarian or superintendent with concerns.

After the Fair

If your animal returns from the fair, here are steps to protect your farm from disease.

• Keep animals returning from the fair isolated for at least 30 days.
• When doing chores, always care for your fair animals last.
• Watch all your animals daily for signs of illness including lack of appetite, fever, or changes in behavior. Contact your vet immediately.

Diseases of Concern

Here are some diseases of concern by species to watch out for at the fair: Fairs and Exhibitions | Washington State Department of Agriculture

Cattle and Malignant Catarrhal Fever

Equine and Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy

Poultry and Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT)

Sheep and Goats

Swine and Swine Influenza and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea

Rabbits and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

Fair Safety for exhibitors

CDC/ Public Health Fair Resources

Interacting with animals at fairs is educational and fun and helps people learn about and experience animals they may not see in their daily lives. However, it is important to know that animals sometimes carry germs or zoonotic diseases that can make people sick or vice versa. Here are some great resources to protect public health.

Tips to Stay Healthy at Animal Exhibits

Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings

NASPHV Animal Compendium Toolkit