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Ohioans urged to
practice good hygiene at fairs
COLUMBUS (July 14, 2017)- Ohio’s fair season is underway across the
state and leaders at the Ohio Departments of Agriculture (ODA) and
Health (ODH) are reminding Ohioans to practice good hygiene when
visiting livestock exhibits this summer.
“Ohio’s fairs are great places to enjoy some summer fun, but visitors
should remember some illnesses can be directly transmitted between
animals and humans,” said ODH Director Lance Himes. “Simple steps like
good hand-washing can help stop the spread of any illness and make sure
your fair visit is a safe one.”
Visitors should always wash their hands with soap and water before and
after petting or touching any animal. Never eat, drink or put anything
in your mouth in animal areas. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to
leave strollers outside the animal exhibits and carry small children.
Older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with weakened
immune systems should consider avoiding animal areas.
“Fairs are the highlight of the summer in many communities for many
families across Ohio and we want to ensure they stay that way,” said
ODA Director David T. Daniels. “Maintaining healthy people and animals
is our top priority, and we encourage all fair guests to follow posted
signs and make smart decisions when visiting the fair.
ODA is actively working with fair boards to increase access to hand
sanitizers and hand-washing stations. Frequent hand-washing can lower
your risk of getting sick from influenza, salmonella, e. Coli and other
illnesses. In addition, ODA has provided information and encouraged
fair organizers to post reminders about good hygiene in animal areas to
help protect the health of fairgoers. Ohio’s fair veterinarians are
trained and encouraged to closely monitor fair livestock and poultry
for clinical signs of illness.
Exhibitors who believe their animal may be sick should immediately
contact their barn manager and fair veterinarian. Fair guests who
experience illness should contact a medical professional, and their
local health district.
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