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 equine. 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 

According to Connecticut Fair and Show Requirements (2025), equids must have a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) from an accredited veterinarian along with proof of current rabies vaccination. They must have official USDA identification, such as a microchip, lip tattoo, or valid Coggins paperwork. Equids must have proof of a negative Coggins (Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test), performed within 12 months of the event.   

For pulling horses/pony competitors, the animal is required to have a microchip to compete. These are usually on the left side of the neck, halfway between the poll and withers. Additional vaccines may be required, depending on the show.  

General body

When inspecting an equid’s general appearance, the animal should be bright, alert, and responsive. The animal should be of adequate body condition. The animal should stand calmly at rest and be able to move around without any signs of lameness. There should be no wounds, injuries, or broken bones. The animal should not exhibit signs of pain or discomfort.

Nose, eyes, and mouth 

The eyes of the animal should be bright and clear without any signs of injury, redness, swelling, or excessive discharge. The nose should not exhibit excessive or unusual discharge (i.e., blood, pus). The animal should not be sneezing or coughing repeatedly. Increased respiratory rate or effort is reason for concern. The mouth should be free from obvious open sores. Observe the throat latch area on both sides; there should not be any evidence of swelling, scabbing, or active drainage of purulent material.  

Skin

Assess the animal’s skin and hair coat. The coat should be shiny and clean. Reasons for concern include crusty raised lesions (infected skin sores), and areas missing hair, scaling, or open wounds.

Rear end

The animal should not show any signs of diarrhea. Females should not have any purulent vaginal discharge.

Hooves

The animal should carry weight on all four legs properly, with no signs of lameness (i.e., a head nod when in motion or repetitively shifting weight). The hooves of the animal should be well maintained. If shod, the shoes should be in good condition.

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, such as feet and mouths. 

Wear clean gloves and change them between groups of exhibitors. Boots can also be disinfected in between assessments, particularly if you are boarding trailers to conduct checks. Alternatively, boot covers may be worn and changed between assessments. As a general rule, wear a pair of shoes that you dedicate to agricultural events and other off-farm activities, and disinfect them afterwards so you do not track any contaminated material home with you. 

Consider changing your clothes after completing health checks, especially if clothing has been soiled by feces and fluid such as saliva, or if you do encounter an animal exhibiting signs of illness.

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 equine from the same barn should be sent home.  

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 authors 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 authors, members of the BE SAFE Team include Jennifer Cushman, Maryann Fusco-Rollins, 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

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