Fairs and Animal Exhibits Toolkit
About this Toolkit
This toolkit was developed for local public health partners to use in the prevention of zoönotic diseases at fairs, petting zoos, and exhibits in California where live animals are present. The resources in this toolkit are intended to help local public health partners establish communication and engagement with fair managers and animal exhibitors for a coordinated effort toward prevention of zoönotic disease transmission at live animal exhibits.
Why is zoönotic disease prevention at fairs and animal exhibits important?
Millions of guests visit California's fairs each year, many of whom engage directly or indirectly with livestock and other live animals on exhibit. People who have contact with livestock or their environments are at risk for infection from zoönotic pathogens (such as
E. coli). Illnesses from these pathogens can range from mild and self-limiting to severe and potentially fatal. Thoughtfully planned events, facility design, and staff and visitor education can help reduce the transmission of zoönotic pathogens from animals on exhibit to visitors at the fair. The resources in this toolkit can help local partners better understand and mitigate zoönotic disease risks at fairs and animal exhibits, ultimately reducing disease risk and severe outcomes among fair staff and the visiting public.
Who is this toolkit for?
This toolkit is designed for use by officials at city and county local health departments (LHDs) in California. Secondary users of the resources in this toolkit include local fair management, fair organizers, animal exhibitors, fair staff, and members of the public visiting a fair or petting zoo.