SALEM, OR -- Central Oregon's county fair season kicks off next weekend. The Jefferson County Fair runs July 24-27 in Madras. The Deschutes County Fair is July 31-August 4 in Redmond. And, the Crook County Fair is August 7-10 in Prineville. Visitors to livestock exhibits are encouraged to take health precautions, to prevent spreading bacteria and viruses to other animals or humans.
State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Emilio DeBess has spent a lot of time at county fairs, "They're really amazing. I love them, I think they're a great showcase for what we do in agriculture in this state. But, I think you need to take basic precautions to protect yourself." Those include not eating or drinking inside animal exhibits, "So that's really, really important. Mostly because you can touch areas that may be contaminated, then bring that to your mouth. And at that point, then you may be exposed to whatever may be different conditions, whether it's a bacteria or a virus."
Parents also need to keep strollers out of barns, "We ask people if they have children, to make sure that they hold on to them, that they don't bring any toys into those areas because they may drop on the ground and get contaminated."
Dr. DeBess says the primary risk right now is for Avian Influenza, which has been found in dairy cows elsewhere in the country, "Oregon, at this point, has not had any. We do not have any positive animals; we do not have any positive humans. So, it's just a precaution." And bird flu isn't the only risk, "Wash your hands regularly, if you happen to handle them, to make sure that you don't get bacteria like salmonella."
Children under five, adults 65 and older, pregnant people and those with certain chronic medical conditions should limit contact with pigs, poultry and cattle.
People showing their animals should also clean and disinfect all tack, feeders and other supplies before bringing them to the fair, don't share equipment used for other animals, watch animals before and during the fair for signs of illness and remove any sick animals from the exhibition area.2023 Photo courtesy of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center
