Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, state veterinarian Jeff Kaisand and Iowa State Fair officials have announced new animal health inspection requirements for swine exhibitors at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.

These additional exhibition requirements were developed with input from veterinarians and other third-party experts. They are designed to promote biosecurity and animal health as African swine fever continues to spread across China and other parts of Asia and Europe.

“We are working with other state and federal agencies and industry partners to monitor the ASF situation and educate producers about biosecurity,” Naig says. “While the disease does not pose a human health or food safety threat, it would be detrimental to Iowa’s pork industry and the state’s economy. That’s why we’re implementing additional biosecurity measures for all swine exhibitors at this year’s fair.”

While ASF is top of mind, the Department of Agriculture stresses the importance of following proper biosecurity protocols — with all species of animals — every day to protect Iowa’s livestock.

“All exhibitors are encouraged to practice good biosecurity both at the show and at home on the farm,” Kaisand says. “When exhibitors return home from the fair, they should disinfect their equipment, isolate animals that traveled to the show from the rest of the herd and monitor for signs of illness.”

Protecting the health of Iowa’s livestock and the state’s ag-based economy are top priorities for the Department of Agriculture and fair organizers.

“We value Iowa’s largest industry, agriculture, and recognize the importance of comprehensive biosecurity practices,” says Gary Slater, CEO and fair manager. “We work in partnership with IDALS and our state veterinarians to maintain the highest standards for our livestock exhibitors and the animals they bring to show at the fair.”

Sources: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa State Fair, which are solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly own the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.