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 for swine. 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

Swine must have a valid certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) within 30 days of their first show, signed by an accredited veterinarian. A copy of the CVI must be presented to the fair superintendent. All swine must have approved USDA identification (ear tag/tattoo/ear notch). Ear notches or tattoos (ear or inner flank) are considered official ID if recorded with the Purebred Registry Association Board and documentation is attached to the CVI. Swine must originate from a Brucellosis- and Pseudorabies-negative herd or be tested within 30 days. 

General body

The pig should be alert and responsive, standing on all four legs with a smooth gait and no signs of depression or lethargy. The animal’s abdomen should be soft and not distended. It should also be free of hernias. The back and sides of the animal should not exhibit any lumps or bumps, and it should be free of signs of pain. The pig should have adequate body condition.

Eyes, nose, and mouth

The eyes of the animal should be clear without any discharge. Check to ensure the animal’s nose is free of purulent or bloody discharge and crusting. The animal should breathe without increased effort, coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. There should be no sores around the mouth.  There should be no evidence of vomiting.

Skin and hair

The hair coat should be consistent across the entire body and smooth. The skin should have no evidence of cracks, crusts, discoloration, erosions, rashes, or sores. There should be no lice observed crawling on the skin.  

Rear end

There should be no evidence of diarrhea. For female pigs, check the vulva for any discharge of pus or blood. Pigs presenting vaginal or anal prolapses (protruding tissue) should not be allowed to be exhibited. Pigs with fetal membranes should not be admitted. The tail should be flexible without signs of injury. 

Feet and legs

Observe the pig as it walks. Lameness should be further investigated and likely deems the animal unfit for exhibition. Check the hooves of the animal for cracks, swelling, bloody or purulent discharge, and foul smells. Observe the joints for any signs of enlargement or swelling.  

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 or face. 

Wear clean gloves and change them between herds or when a potentially contagious animal is touched. Boots can be disinfected between assessments on different herds, particularly if you are boarding trailers to conduct checks. Alternatively, boot covers can be worn and changed between herds. It is safest to wear a pair of shoes that you dedicate to agricultural events and other off-farm activities and disinfect them afterwards so that you do not track home any contaminated material. 

Consider changing your clothes after completing health checks, especially if clothing has hbeen 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 swine from the same herd 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 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 Emily Alger, 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. (2025). 2025 Connecticut Fair and Show Requirements. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/doag/state-vet/2025/2025-ct-fair-requirements-update-42525_final-rem.pdf?rev=0f42b47c4ef049a1a90922af5c2df570 

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 

Iowa State University. (n.d.). Influenza. https://webhost-dev.cvm.iastate.edu/swine-disease-manual/index-of-diseases/influenza/ 

Iowa State University. (n.d.). Proliferative Enteritis. https://webhost-dev.cvm.iastate.edu/swine-disease-manual/index-of-diseases/proliferative-enteritis/ 

Kaufman, P. E., Koehler, P. G., & Butler, J. F. (Updated 2022, July 19). External Parasites on Swine. University of Florida IFAS. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ig138-2006 

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

Risatti, G. E., & Barco, M. (Updated 2025, April). Classical Swine Fever. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/classical-swine-fever/classical-swine-fever