Biosecurity recommendations for Canadian fairs and exhibits

Since March 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has been detected in dairy cattle herds in several states in the US. See USDA map.

There have been no cases detected to date in Canadian dairy cattle.

In settings where people and animals from different places gather closely, such as exhibitions, there is a higher likelihood of influenza viruses spreading.

Attendees at exhibitions should take precautions to prevent the transmission of influenza A viruses between animals and between animals and humans.

Animal Health Canada collaborated with a working group of several provincial chief veterinary officers, industry, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada to create guidance documents for organizers and exhibitors to help prevent highly pathogenic avian influenza spread to cattle.

Guidance documents:

 

 

Before the exhibition (PDF)

 

 

During the exhibition (PDF)

 

 

After the exhibition (PDF)

 

Combined: Before, during and after the exhibition (PDF)
  • Samples of handwashing posters (to print and place around the grounds)

 

 

Stop Germs: Wash your hands (PDF)

 

 

Wash your hands (PDF)
  • Infographics:

 

 

 

Best Practices for Handling Milk at Cattle Shows (PDF)

 

 

Staying safe at exhibitions (PDF)
  • Pre-made social media posts for organizers (Click image to copy and use on social media channels)

Before the exhibition:

 

Getting ready to go? Think about the flu, too! Settings like fairs and exhibitions, where people and animals from different places are gathering, have a higher chance of spreading the influenza virus - between animals and from animals to humans. Here’s what you can do before the exhibition to prevent the spread of the virus. https://www.animalhealthcanada.ca/pdfs/BEFORE-Biosecurity-Recommendations-for-Exhibitors(1).pdf

X: Getting ready to go? Think about the flu, too! Settings like fairs and exhibitions have a higher chance of spreading the influenza virus - between animals and from animals to humans. Here’s what you can do before you go to prevent the spread. https://www.animalhealthcanada.ca/pdfs/BEFORE-Biosecurity-Recommendations-for-Exhibitors(1).pdf

 During the Exhibition:

Learn the crucial steps you can take to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza A viruses between animals during exhibitions.
https://www.animalhealthcanada.ca/pdfs/DURING-Biosecurity-Recommendations-for-Exhibitors(2).pdf

After the exhibition:

 

Before heading home from a show or fair, review the important recommendations necessary to help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in cattle.
https://www.animalhealthcanada.ca/pdfs/AFTER-Biosecurity-Recommendations-for-Exhibitors(2).pdf

 

For more information about the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cattle, visit the following links: