Reducing the risk of animal-to-human disease transmission at agricultural fairs: Implementation and assessment of a program in North Carolina

North Carolina developed zoonotic disease risk-reduction guidelines for animal exhibits in public venues after a large E. coli O157 outbreak was traced to the 2004 State Fair. The guidelines contain 32 rules in 5 areas of exhibit structure and operation and are intended to interrupt each potential point of animal-to-human disease transmission. At state-sanctioned agricultural fairs since 2006, full compliance with the guidelines is required for all animal contact exhibits (such as petting zoos) and is strongly encouraged for all non-contact animal exhibits (such as show barns). The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services performed a comprehensive survey to assess the implementation of the guidelines at all agricultural fairs in 2006, as well as to identify areas of low compliance and barriers to compliance. Results showed a compliance level of 78% for all animal exhibits; 93% for animal contact exhibits; and 70% for non-contact animal exhibits. Most exhibitors were well aware of the guidelines and considered them to be fair and reasonable. The majority of exhibitors were highly motivated to protect their visitors from disease and themselves from liability. The primary barrier to compliance was lack of knowledge or understanding of the guidelines and the reasoning behind them, followed by financial constraints. Only a small minority of exhibitors were uninterested in the problem of animal-to-human disease transmission or unwilling to take reasonable precautions against it.