The next few months bring the peak of the livestock exhibition season for 4-H and FFA members, attending events like fairs, sales, and judging.  As Purdue University Extension's Bethany Funnell says, it's also peak time for biosecurity to be practiced by animal owners before, during, and after each show.

 

"The little things that we do to try to decrease transmission and try to set our animals up as best as possible for them to combat it and get healthy quicker, is all a step in the right direction."

 

When it comes to disease prevention, Funnell says the best thing livestock owners should keep in mind is that the threat of a virus or disease is always present.

 

"We can't prevent it all. We will have sick animals, we will have animals come together and pick up a virus and bring it home, and we will see that happen. So, be prepared, knowing that it's probably going to happen is half the battle."

 

Preparation includes steps such as vaccinations, minimizing contact between and proper cleaning and disinfection of both animals and equipment.

 

 

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