Essential tips for livestock safety at fairs and rodeos

By Scout Nelson

County fairs, livestock competitions, and rodeos offer a unique chance for people to engage with and celebrate agriculture. With many of these events happening in the summer, it’s essential for livestock owners to prioritize their animals’ health.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture highlights the importance of biosecurity measures to safeguard livestock, especially those in shows and competitions.

Before the Show Firstly, always monitor your animal’s health. If your animal appears sick, it’s better to miss the show than risk spreading disease. Clean and disinfect all show equipment and trailers thoroughly before the event.

During the Show During the show, keep an eye on your animals for signs of heat stress or illness. It’s crucial not to share equipment or tools with other exhibitors. If using a community hose for watering, make sure your animal doesn’t drink directly from it or immerse the hose in your bucket.

After the Show After returning from a show, isolate your show animals from the rest of your livestock. Watch for any illness signs and prevent nose-to-nose contact between animals.

Consult a veterinarian if your animal becomes ill. Refrain from sharing supplies like buckets and feed pans between isolated and other animals. Ensure all equipment used in the isolation area is cleaned, disinfected, and dried thoroughly.

Nebraska has strict import restrictions for livestock from states with confirmed disease cases to prevent the spread of diseases. If you’re planning to bring animals into Nebraska, visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s website or call (402) 471-2351 for information on current importation orders.

Photo Credit: nebraska-department-of-ag