Biosecurity emphasized at county fairs and Indiana state fair

By Andi Anderson

As Indiana’s farm families proudly showcase their livestock at county fairs and the upcoming Indiana State Fair, animal health officials emphasize biosecurity due to the ongoing presence of the H5N1 virus in dairy cattle across the U.S.

Dr. Bret Marsh, State Veterinarian with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, highlights the importance of biosecurity, noting, “We’ve had states nearby—including Michigan—that have been severely impacted by it and they have changed their exhibition requirements. We have not to this point.”

Dr. Marsh advises several biosecurity measures for exhibitors during fair season. “First and foremost, if you have a sick animal, please don’t come to the exhibition with it,” he says. He also stresses the importance of handwashing and not sharing equipment with other exhibitors to prevent the spread of the virus.

For those exhibiting lactating dairy cows, Dr. Marsh warns, “Contain that milk because we know the milk is carrying high viral loads of the H5N1 virus. Make sure we’re not dumping the raw milk on the ground so it doesn’t get exposed to other animals or people.”

Biosecurity measures should continue even after the fair. “Make sure that you isolate the animal once you get home, which is standard procedure, so that if anything is contracted at the fair, it is not spread to other animals either on the farm or in the community,” Dr. Marsh advises.

While there have been no specific changes regarding livestock exhibitor policies at the Indiana State Fair, Dr. Marsh notes that the situation is fluid and could change rapidly if a confirmed case of the H5N1 virus is found in Indiana’s dairy cattle. “This is a very fluid situation.

Even though the Indiana State Fair is only a month or so away, there could be a lot of change taking place.

We would encourage people to continue to be aware of what’s going on with this particular virus, but as far as I know, in our conversations with the Indiana State Fair, there are no specific changes,” he says.

The Indiana State Fair will begin on Friday, Aug. 2 and run through Sunday, Aug. 18, closing on Mondays. Exhibitors and attendees are encouraged to stay informed about biosecurity guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all animals and participants.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix