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Ohio Department of Agriculture
Ohioans reminded to
take simple steps to stay healthy at fairs
June 06, 2018
COLUMBUS – As millions of Ohioans prepare to visit any of Ohio’s 94
county and independent fairs, leaders at the Ohio Departments of
Agriculture (ODA) and Health (ODH) want to encourage guests to practice
good hygiene when visiting livestock exhibits this summer.
“Ohio’s fairs are wonderful events that promote our state’s next
generation of leaders and highlight the strength of food and
agriculture as Ohio’s largest industry,” said ODA Director David T.
Daniels. “We want to ensure that guests and animals at our fairs stay
healthy and it’s so important that patrons follow posted signs and make
healthy decisions when visiting the fair.”
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.
“Simply washing your hands can help ensure your visit to a fair is fun
and safe,” said ODH Director Lance Himes. “While not common, some
illnesses can be directly transmitted between animals and humans, and
fairgoers need to keep that in mind this summer.”
ODA works with fairboards to increase access to hand sanitizers and
hand-washing stations and provides educational signage for posting at
barns. Frequent hand-washing can lower the risk of getting sick from
influenza, salmonella, e. Coli and other illnesses. Ohio’s fair
veterinarians are trained 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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