Kansas State Fair enhances livestock safety

By Scout Nelson

As the Kansas State Fair approaches, organizers are taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk of avian flu, a concern that has impacted previous events. The fair, which begins this Friday in Hutchinson, is a celebrated annual event featuring various livestock shows and other attractions.

To enhance safety, all dairy cattle participating in shows will undergo additional health tests, including tests for "clear milk," ensuring they are free from the avian flu virus. Furthermore, animals brought from outside Kansas must have a certificate of veterinary inspection, a requirement aimed at maintaining a safe environment for both the animals and attendees.

Jenn Galloway, the competitions director at the Kansas State Fair, emphasized the importance of these measures. “We are implementing some extra handwashing stations,” she noted, explaining that the goal is to reduce the risk of disease transmission among fairgoers, particularly between the dairy and poultry areas where the virus has been most detrimental.

These precautions are part of a broader effort to keep the event enjoyable yet safe. The last recorded case of avian flu in Kansas occurred in April, and fair organizers are committed to preventing any new outbreaks. By introducing rigorous testing and improved hygiene practices, they hope to safeguard the health of both the livestock and the thousands of visitors expected at the fair.

For those interested in attending the fair and viewing the full schedule of events and livestock shows, information is available on the official Kansas State Fair website.

Photo Credit:kansas-state-fair