Introduction

Why are quality health checks important? The first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. 

There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Some diseases can be spread between animals of different species whereas some diseases can only be spread within animals of the same species. 

Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted between animals and people, and are a considerable health risk for event visitors and exhibitors alike (Conrad et al., 2017). Therefore, certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people.  

This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for rabbits and other small mammals. In addition, prior to attending an animal exhibition or event, exhibitors can use this resource to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation. 

Per the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, "…all animals and poultry entered at fairs and shows must be in good health and in proper physical condition and will be examined at the exhibition by the barn superintendent. 

Evidence of poor condition or infectious or contagious disease or failure to produce the necessary documents for health certification, vaccination or testing will result in ejection." (2025, p. 1). Certain conditions and observations noted within this fact sheet may not pose a significant public or animal health risk. In such cases, decisions regarding an animal's eligibility for exhibition should be made in consultation with event leadership and/or the on-call veterinarian. 

Getting started   

Health checks should be completed right outside the vehicle used for transportation. Do not permit the animal to be walked through the fairgrounds, barns, or venue before confirming its health status; an unhealthy animal can spread disease during this commute. 

Wear gloves and change them in between groups of animals and after evaluating an animal with a suspected or confirmed health concern. Follow any additional policies advanced by fair or event leadership and your state’s Department of Agriculture. 

Identification

Check to confirm that the animal has a valid health certificate and that its identification number (tattoo, black marker, or microchip) matches the information recorded on the health certificate and entry forms. Animals should not have been recently exposed to any contagious disease such as Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (VHD).

General body

The animal should exhibit overall signs of thriftiness and health, including an appropriate body condition for its age, sex, and physiological state (i.e., growing, maintenance). There should not be any hunching, indications of broken bones or injuries, or abscesses (accumulation of pus). Furthermore, there should be no signs of fever or lethargy. 

The animal should also be observed for signs of neurological issues; they should be able to move with a normal gait and should not show signs of a head tilt. 

Encephalitozoonosis is a parasitic disease that can infect small animals such as rabbits and cavies. Although infected animals do not typically show disease, stress can cause manifestation of symptoms. Signs of encephalitozoonosis may include seizures, twitching of the eyes, tilting of the head, seizures, and mobility difficulties (Rich & Axelson, n.d.). Pasteurellosis can also cause head tilts (McClure, 2025).

Nose, eyes, mouth and ears

The animal should not show any signs of respiratory infection, including breathing irregularities (i.e., thumping, distress), coughing, wheezing, or nasal discharge. 

Snuffles is a bacterial disease in rabbits that causes excessive watery or white mucosal discharge from the nose and eyes, as well as sneezing; dried evidence of this mucous may be found on the insides of front legs or on the rabbit’s chest (McClure, 2024). 

The animal should be visibly alert and eyes should be clear and bright, and without any noticeable injury or discharge. 

With a clean glove, the mouth can be checked to confirm health (i.e., no abscesses or infections). Check for excessive salivation; slobbers is a condition in cavies that can be associated with malocclusion that can lead to tooth abscesses and bleeding (Quesenberry & Donnelly, 2024). Ears should be checked for mites.

Skin and fur

Skin should be clean and free of disease, including ringworm, mites, fleas, or lice. In rabbits, dewlaps should be checked for moist dermatitis. Open wounds of any kind should not be permitted. Fur should look shiny and healthy, with no abnormal patches of lost coverage.

Rear end

Check to ensure there are no signs of digestive illness, such as diarrhea. Know the normal fecal appearance for each species of small animal for which you are conducting health checks. Diarrhea may indicate an imbalance of the digestive system (potentially from stress) and could be associated with or result in a contagious disease. There should be no signs of urine burn. Genital areas should be checked for scabs (a sign of rabbit syphilis) or other signs of sexually transmitted diseases (McClure, 2024). 

Feet

The animal should not exhibit any signs of lameness. Nails should be trimmed appropriately, and there should be no signs of broken digits, sore hocks, or bumblefoot (a bacterial infection of the foot).

Safety Precautions When Performing Health Checks

Conducting animal health checks can expose you to physical and biological risks. Always take caution when working with and around animals that you are unfamiliar with. Ask the exhibitor to assist you while handling the animal, especially while checking challenging areas like the feet and mouth. 

Wear clean gloves and change them between animals originating from different households, or when a potentially contagious animal is touched. Wear a pair of shoes that you dedicate to events and other off-operation activities, and disinfect them afterwards so that you do not track home any contaminated material. Disposable boot covers and/or boot washes can also be used. 

Consider changing your clothes after completing health checks, especially if the clothing has been soiled by feces and fluids like saliva, or if you encounter an animal exhibiting signs of illness. Wipe down any equipment, such as flashlights or radios, between assessments on animals that are not housed together. 

What To Do If There Are Questions or Concerns Regarding an Animal’s Health

As an animal exhibition or event decision-maker, you have a responsibility to ensure that all animals exhibited are healthy and will not pose risks to other animals or people. If you do encounter an animal that is demonstrating one or more signs of illness, the animal should not be permitted to enter the grounds or to be exhibited, and should be separated from other animals immediately. The diseases of concern are often contagious; it is possible that all rabbits and/or small mammals from the same household should be sent home depending on the situation and event policy. 

Politely explain, in detail, why the animal cannot be allowed to participate, and recommend that the owner contact their veterinarian to address the issue. Animals that do not pass health checks should be returned home; they should not be allowed to stay in a trailer during the event. 

If you encounter difficulties communicating with the animal handler, or if they become hostile, ask an event organizer/leader for assistance. Although this conversation can be awkward and uncomfortable, it is necessary to keep people and animals healthy and safe. 

Acknowledgements

The author would like to express appreciation to members of the UConn Extension BE SAFE: Biosecurity Education to Safeguard Animals at Fairs and Events Team for assistance in conceptualizing this fact sheet. In addition to the author, members of the BE SAFE Team include Halie Shea, Maryann Fusco-Rollins, Emily Alger, Jennifer Cushman, and Bonnie Burr.  The BE SAFE Project and this fact sheet are supported by Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement. Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement supports programs, projects and events that are intended to strengthen Northeast agriculture, commercial fishing and forest products. This program is a combined effort of Farm Credit East and CoBank.

Resources

Connecticut Department of Agriculture. (2024). 2024 Connecticut Fair and Show Requirements. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/doag/state-vet/2024/2024-updated-ct-fair-requirements.pdf 

Conrad, C. C., Stanford, K., Narvaez-Bravo, C., Callaway, T., & McAllister, T. (2017). Farm Fairs and Petting Zoos: A Review of Animal Contact as a Source of Zoonotic Enteric Disease. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 14(2), 59–73. https://doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2016.2185 

McClure, D. (2024). Disorders and Diseases of Rabbits. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/rabbits/disorders-and-diseases-of-rabbits 

Michigan State University Extension. (2019, July 30). Animal Check-In. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/animal-check-in 

Michigan State University Extension. (n.d.). 4-H Rabbit Fitting and Showing Member Guide. https://www.canr.msu.edu/washtenaw/uploads/4-H+Rabbit+Showmanship.pdf 

New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food. (n.d.). Rabbit Exhibitor’s Self Certification of Animal Health. https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2269&context=extension 

Quesenberry, K. E. (2024). Disorders and Diseases of Guinea Pigs. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/disorders-and-diseases-of-guinea-pigs 

Rich, G., & Axelson, R. (n.d.). Encephalitozoonosis in Rabbits. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/encephalitozoonosis-in-rabbits#