Introduction

Quality biosecurity practices can prevent the introduction and spread of diseases associated with animal events. Event personnel, including show superintendents and stewards, play an important role in protecting human and animal health. This fact sheet can be used by event personnel to inform biosecurity efforts before, during, and after shows.

All Species

• Adhere to the Department of Agriculture Fair and Show Requirements and any additional event policies.
  • Complete the state animal exhibitor list to maintain a record of all animals that are presented on the grounds for your show.
• Before the show, communicate biosecurity expectations to exhibitors, including animal health standards and any required biosecurity procedures.

Consider sharing this exhibitor biosecurity resource with participants: s.uconn.edu/exhibitorbiosecurity

• • Exhibitors should be encouraged to ensure that all equipment is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to loading and transport, reducing the risk of introducing contaminants to the event facility;
  • Participants should be discouraged from sharing equipment, including those for fitting, care, and feeding;
  • Exhibitors should be advised to screen themselves for any zoonotic illnesses prior to attendance, as transmissible diseases can pose a significant health risk to animals, fellow exhibitors, and event personnel.

• Maintain quality records and an accurate list of contact information, including event organizers, the state veterinarian, the veterinarian on call for the event, and exhibitors.
• Assemble biosecurity materials, including cleaning and disinfecting supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks, and waste disposal materials;
• If the venue hosted animals within the last year, clean and disinfect animal spaces before the arrival of exhibitors;
• Ensure that ventilation is adequate within buildings to reduce respiratory and temperature concerns;
• Conduct quality health checks upon arrival of animals, ensuring that only visibly healthy animals are permitted to participate. All animals should be compliant with state health requirements (e.g., Coggins testing for equine) and be included on a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI);
• Avoid porous materials for penning or animal areas such as wood that are difficult to sanitize. Provide adequate pen or cage space for spacing between animals from different operations (i.e. tack stall) or allow tarps and other barriers to be used. Consider pre-assigning pens and cages to ensure herds/farms/clubs can pen together. Avoid overstocking pens/cages;
• Provide clean bedding for each exhibitor or notify exhibitors to provide their own;
• Monitor animal health throughout the event;
• Know your event’s procedure for sick or deceased animals, including quarantine procedures. Be aware of communication and response procedures for disease outbreaks;
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly, including tables, binders, and door handles. Discourage exhibitors from sharing equipment. Learn more at: uconn.edu/exhibitionclean&disinfect;
• Remove manure from aisleways outside the show area regularly to minimize the spread of disease;
• Encourage exhibitors to minimize contact between their animals and those of other exhibitors while waiting for their turn to be evaluated. Consider limiting how many exhibitors can be waiting in the staging area at one time;
• Keep aisles clean of manure using dedicated tools such as event-owned pitchforks and wheelbarrows. Dispose of manure in an event-approved location where the public does not have access
• If within your responsibilities as a superintendent, ensure access to soap and clean water for exhibitors and visitors. If handwashing facilities are not available, provide hand sanitizer stations. Consider posting signage reminding visitors to avoid eating and drinking in animal spaces and to wash their hands after interacting with animals. Printable signage can be found at: extension.uconn.edu/be-safe/;
• Following the event, clean and disinfect animal spaces, ensuring that bedding and manure have been disposed of in accordance with event policies. Exhibitors and event personnel should dispose of all hazardous waste in compliance with health, safety, and environmental protocols to prevent contamination of the facility and surrounding environment.

Beef and Dairy Cattle

• Be attentive to ringworm and warts (bovine papillomavirus) during health check-in;
• Avoid shared water sources. Encourage exhibitors to provide herd specific water and feed containers and prevent hoses from contacting bucket water to reduce contamination;
• Clean and disinfect wash racks and other surfaces in between use by different herds;
• Discourage sharing equipment including chutes, clippers, halters, milkers and show sticks;
• Ensure there is a milk disposal plan. Encourage exhibitors to dump milk in a contained location;
• If milkers are leaking milk ringside, have shavings/sand or other absorbent material available to clean up milk promptly;
• Remind judges, milk out officials, and exhibitors that milk should not be extracted when examining the udder.

Camelids

• No shared food or water containers across animals from different farms;
• Provide adequate shade and ventilation ;
• In accordance with the CT Rabies Advisory, camelids are to have a double barrier or signage that indicates “CONNECTICUT RABIES ADVISORY NOTICE - DO NOT FEED OR TOUCH ANIMALS”.

Dogs

• Consider implementing a colored to indicate a dog’s preference for socialization. For example, a dog wearing an orange bandana could communicate that the dog likes/needs more space;
• Encourage exhibitors to clean up after their dogs;
• Have a designated can with a liner for the dog waste bags. This is typically not dumped with livestock manure;
• All dogs must be crate trained and exhibitors must have a crate for their dog.

Equine

• Discourage exhibitors from sharing water buckets, hay bags, grooming towels, or any other equipment between horses that do not live together;
• Encourage judge to clean hands between showmanship exhibitors if touching horses in fitting section; have sanitizing wipes readily available;
• Provide enough space in gate hold areas to not group horses closely together.

Goats

• Be attentive to sore mouth during health check-in;
• Encourage exhibitors to dump milk in a contained location. Dump milk containers regularly to minimize pathogen growth;
• Remind exhibitors not to touch milk pail to common containers/funnels, etc.;
• If milkers are leaking milk ringside, have shavings/sand or other absorbent material available to clean up milk promptly;
• Remind judges, milk out officials and exhibitors that milk should not be extracted when examining the udder;
• Avoid sharing equipment across herds including milk stands, milk pails, clippers, etc.;
• In accordance with the CT Rabies Advisory, goats are to have a double barrier or signage that indicates “CONNECTICUT RABIES ADVISORY NOTICE - DO NOT FEED OR TOUCH ANIMALS”;
• Ensure any plant decorations are non-toxic to goats.

Poultry

• Pay extra attention to restrictions due to Avian Influenza such as restrictions on the exhibiting of waterfowl;
• Avoid sharing food and water across birds. If using a common watering source, ensure it does not touch individual feeders;
• Consider requiring exhibitors to remove soiled bedding and manure from cages on a regular basis throughout the event;
• If carriers are being kept at the event, have an area for storing cages that minimizes the exposure of cages to wild birds;
• If using tables for showmanship/check-in, ensure the tables are covered or sanitized regularly to minimize the spread of disease and soiling of porous surfaces;
• House all poultry indoors/under tents to avoid contact with wild birds;
• Line wooden boards with paper to avoid direct contact of waste with porous surfaces;
• Minimize the handling of baby chicks amongst at risk populations (young, older, pregnant, and immunocompromised individuals) and provide hand sanitizer next to any baby chick stations.

Rabbits and other small mammals

• Be especially aware of the signs of high-priority diseases, such as Pasteurella and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RDH), when conducting animal health checks;
• Don’t assign animals to cages directly on the ground;
• Clean and disinfect cages, mats, judging tables, and other surfaces in between use by different animals;
• Discourage exhibitors from sharing frozen water bottles between groups of animals during hot weather;
• Exhibitors should be required to bring their own animals to the judging table. They may also be encouraged to provide their own judging mat;
• Encourage the judge to clean their hands between groups of rabbits from the same household when practical;
• Have a first aid kit on hand to address any scratches, bites, or other injuries to handlers and the judge;
• If an unfamiliar animal is being handled during showmanship, provide hand sanitizer for the exhibitor to use before and after handling another animal;
• In accordance with the CT Rabies Advisory, rabbits are to have a double barrier or signage that indicates “CONNECTICUT RABIES ADVISORY NOTICE - DO NOT FEED OR TOUCH ANIMALS”.

Reptiles

• Superintendents should familiarize themselves with diseases that pose a risk to captive reptiles, such as Ophidiomycosis (also known as snake fungal disease), and remain vigilant during animal health checks;
• Animals should be housed in species-appropriate conditions, including proper temperature, lighting, and humidity. Only animals of the same species may share an enclosure, and mixed-species housing is discouraged;
• Rodent and mammal feeders should be kept separate from reptiles and amphibians. Live feeders should not be offered during event hours and must be maintained in clean conditions, while frozen feeders must be free of contaminants (blood, urine, feces);
• Venomous reptiles must be kept in sealed, secured enclosures for the entire event, with lids always fastened, and red tape used only to clearly mark venomous species. These tables must never be left unattended, and either a knowledgeable vendor or Venomous Escort must be present at all times. All venomous species must also be labeled with their common name, scientific name, and sex before the event opens;
• Only exhibitors/owners should handle the animal to minimize the spread of zoonotic diseases, such as Salmonella.

Sheep

• Be especially aware of sore mouth/orf, hoofrot, and ringworm when conducting health checks;
• Clean and disinfect scales to minimize contamination by manure;
• Ask the judge if they will permit exhibitors to open the mouths of their own livestock during dental review to limit transmission of saliva between animals.

Swine

• It’s important to keep in mind the signs of high-priority diseases, such as the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PEDv) virus (found in the New England region) and Swine Influenza, when conducting animal health checks;
• Swine should be kept in separate pens bedded with shavings or straw for comfort and to facilitate regular manure removal;
• Swine should be routinely monitored for signs of illness, injury, or distress, including labored breathing, decreased alertness, or drooping ears, and the on-call veterinarian should be notified immediately upon observation of any concerning symptoms;
• Equipment such as pig boards should be sanitized regularly to minimize the spread of disease between herds;
• In accordance with the Connecticut Rabies Advisory, swine are to have a double barrier or signage that indicates “CONNECTICUT RABIES ADVISORY NOTICE - DO NOT FEED OR TOUCH ANIMALS”.

Biosecurity is a shared responsibility before, during, and after animal exhibitions. Taking steps to protect human and animal health is a critical component of a successful event. Learn more about animal exhibition biosecurity by visiting agriculture.extension.uconn.edu/be-safe/.

Resources

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. (2026, January 14). Interim guidance on biosecurity for reptile fieldwork. https://www.arc-trust.org/interim-guidance-on-biosecurity-for-reptile-fieldwork

Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR) Center. (2024, July 29). Biosecurity Practices Protect Pigs and People. University of California Davis. https://clear.ucdavis.edu/explainers/biosecurity-practices-protect-pigs-and-people

Brzozowski, R. (2015). Bulletin #1046, Biosecurity Precautionary Measures for Sheep and Goat Show Persons. University of Maine Cooperative Extension. https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/1046e/

CT Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). 2026 Connecticut Fair and Show Requirements. https://portal.ct.gov/doag/-/media/doag/state-vet/2026/2026-connecticut-fair-and-show-requirements.pdf?rev=80ec437590d046b9a0f142f79eaf6e49&hash=9AF5F32E44A2DF730D44E5C3CC37F852

Fusco-Rollins, M., Tomis, S. M., & Shea, H. (2025, October). Clean, sanitize, and disinfect: Safe practices for animal exhibitions. UConn Extension Publication EXT160. https://doi.org/10.61899/ucext.v2.160.2025

Georgia Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Shows and exhibitions guidance. https://www.agr.georgia.gov/sites/default/files/documents/animal-health/rhdv-shows-and-exhibitions-guidance-gda.pdf

Horn, T., & Saathoff, C. (n.d.). A checklist for swine exhibition organizers: minimizing the risk of influenza transmission at swine shows and exhibitions. Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement. https://h5n1.extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Checklist-for-Swine-Exhibition-Organizers-2.pdf

National Pork Board. (2025). Biosecurity and Your Pig Project Champions Guide to Swine Biosecurity. https://www.porkcdn.com/sites/porkcheckoff/assets/files/ShowpigNPB-Champions-110625FINAL_1762538525230.pdf

Massachusetts Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). About Swine (Porcine) Program. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-swine-porcine-program

Miller, M., Starnes, A., & Horn, T. (n.d.). A checklist for sheep and goats exhibition organizers: Minimizing the risk of influenza transmission at sheep and goats shows and exhibitions. Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement. https://h5n1.extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/A-Checklist-for-Sheep-and-Goats-Exhibition-Organizers.pdf

Minnesota Board of Animal Health. (n.d.). Biosecurity recommendations for rabbit shows, sales, and exhibitions. https://www.bah.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/documents/Biosecurity-for-Rabbit-Shows-Sales-and-Exhibitions.pdf

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council. (2015). Best management practices for reptile and amphibian shows. https://petadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Reptile-and-Amphibian-Shows-Best-Management-Practices.pdf

Pork Checkoff. (n.d.). Biosecurity. https://porkcheckoff.org/pork-production-management/biosecurity/

Pork Checkoff. (2025, June 9). Biosecurity at Pig Shows - Pork Checkoff.  https://porkcheckoff.org/pork-production-management/biosecurity/biosecurity-at-pig-shows/

Pork Checkoff. (2024, August 15). Show pigs and biosecurity: Don’t let disease stop you from showing [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IknX2ibrFuw

United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS). (2024). Swine Influenza. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/swine/influenza-a-virus

Tomis, S. M., Shea, H., Przech, O., & Cushman, J. (2025, October). Biosecurity best management practices for animal exhibitors. UConn Extension Publication EXT159. https://doi.org/10.61899/ucext.v2.159.2025

U of M Extension Small Farms. (2014, July 10). Alternative swine biosecurity: Keep clothing & footwear from contaminating pig areas [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAojqeF8I-g

United States Association of Reptile Keepers. (2025). Best Management Practices – Reptile Shows. https://usark.org/best-management-practices-reptile-shows/

United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS). (2024, July). Checklist for fair and exhibition organizers: Reduce the spread of Influenza A during fairs and exhibitions (APHIS-24-032). https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/checklist-fair-organizers-stop-flu-a.pdf

Wisconsin Herpetological Association. (n.d.). Reptile show and event suggested best management practices (BMPs).  https://static1.squarespace.com/static/666f16c7538ff80c8403c5a5/t/6678242f38c8950c8b14f0f9/1719149615606/Reptile+Show+and+Event+Suggested+Best+Management+Practices.pdf