Health Recommendations for Swine Exhibitions

October 2, 2013 — 

Commingling animals at an exhibition, show or sale increases the risk of spreading disease. In recognition of this increased risk, the National Pork Board has published two documents addressing exhibitors of swine and the organizers of swine exhibitions. The documents offer recommendations targeting all swine at an exhibit or sale that are physically on the premises. The recommendations are designed to help exhibitors and organizers minimize the risk of spreading disease during events such as fairs and exhibitions. Having a plan in place to identify and handle sick animals properly will help reduce the chance of disease spread. Although the documents are not disease specific, these recommendations are timely given the recent introduction of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus into the U.S. swine herd and its continued spread. Both documents are available for download on either the AASV PEDv web page and the Pork Checkoff website.