2020 Missouri State Fair pivots to a youth livestock show

Today, the Missouri State Fair announced that the traditional fair will pivot to a youth livestock show, Aug. 13-23, 2020. In 1901, the Fair began as a showcase of Missouri agriculture. Staying true to that tradition, the Fair will continue to allow the invaluable agriculture education experience to Missouri 4-H and FFA members by offering a Youth Livestock Show only.

Two primary reasons drove the Fair’s decision today:

Public Health & Safety
We care deeply about the public health and safety of our fairgoers and our community. When the original decision to move forward with the Fair was made, the information and numbers were different than they are now. In collaboration with Governor Parson and the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services it was determined that the best course of action was to work to reduce the number of individuals on the fairgrounds. Best practices for sanitation and public health will still be implemented during the youth livestock show.

Quality Outdoor Experience
The Fair takes pride in hosting a quality outdoor experience for all fairgoers. That success relies heavily on the support of our partners, sponsors and vendors. As those supporters have evaluated the effect the pandemic has had on their ability to participate, many have had to limit or cancel their participation. Limited concessions will be on grounds to service our exhibitors and their families.

For more information on the Missouri State Fair, click here!

First Vesicular Stomatitis Virus case confirmed in Missouri horse

On Tuesday, Missouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg announced the state’s first case of Vesicular Stomatitis in a horse in Newton County. The announcement follows a positive confirmation from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), making Missouri the seventh state to confirm the virus this year. As a result, the Missouri Department of Agriculture is urging horse owners to monitor their livestock closely and call their veterinarian if symptoms arise.

All susceptible animals on the affected premises have been quarantined. The quarantine will continue for at least 14 days after the onset of lesions in the last affected animal. The Department has begun epidemiological work to trace back any possible sources of transmission; however, flies and midges are known to be vectors of the virus. As a preventative measure, Missouri has required a veterinary examination, Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and an Entry Permit for hooved animals entering the state from affected areas.

Vesicular Stomatitis is a contagious, non-fatal virus that primarily affects horses and cattle by causing a fever and vesicular lesions in the mouth, on ears, near the coronary band of hooves or on teats. Horses infected with Vesicular Stomatitis may be treated with anti-inflammatory medication to minimize swelling and kept on soft feeds to ensure they continue eating and drinking. The virus occasionally affects other hooved livestock, including sheep, goats and swine. The virus has been confirmed in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas this year in both horses and cattle.

To learn more about Vesicular Stomatitis, click here!