Reminder- Free RFID tags
To assist Ohio fairs and exhibitions with the requirement to have RFID ear tags in all swine by 2027, ODA has purchased Allflex HDX button RFID ear tags approved for swine. Each fair is eligible for an initial distribution of up to 100 free swine RFID ear tags. To request tags, please contact Cindy Bodie at Cindy.Bodie@agri.ohio.gov or call the ODA office at 614-728-6220 ext 1.
Poultry Shows at County Fairs
There are currently no ODA restrictions for holding poultry shows for the 2025 County Fair Season. ODA will continue to monitor the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza situation, both nationally and in Ohio. We recommend fair boards, 4H agents, and OSU Extension Educators continue to work with ODA and their official veterinarian on biosecurity protocols.
The ODA website has the most up-to-date information on detections in Ohio as well as biosecurity resources.
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USDA Horse Protection Act
The Horse Protection Act was enacted in 1976 to end the practice of soring horses. USDA has recently amended the Horse Protection Act and the rules were set to be effective on February 1, 2025. However, on January 24, 2025, APHIS temporarily postponed the final rule for 60 days from February 1 to April 2, 2025.
Some of the new requirements include:
- Providing notice to APHIS at least 30 days in advance of any horse event via mail or email
- Providing any event updates 15 days in advance of the event
- Reporting any violations of the Horse Protection Act within five days post event
USDA APHIS is the entity responsible for providing and training Horse Protection Inspectors for this event.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture does not implement or enforce the Horse Protection Act. Please refer to USDA for more information and guidance on this Act and Rule.
Additional Resources:
- USDA Frequently Asked Questions Document.
- USDA Horse Protection Act website
- Horse Protection Regulations
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5 Frequently Asked Questions
Last bulletin, we covered 5 of the FAQ questions in the FAQ Document on the ODA AH Website. See below for 5 additional frequently asked questions
1) Am I allowed to use a cold towel on my sheep/animal in the makeup ring?
Per 901-19, the application of ice, ice packs, cold packs, or cold compresses prescribed to relieve heat stress or a medical condition diagnosed and prescribed by the official veterinarian at an exhibition are allowed. If the fair is taking place on an extremely hot day and cold water is necessary to cool down the animal per the official veterinarian, that is allowed. However, using ice, ice packs, cold packs, or cold compresses internally or externally for reasons other than what is listed above is an unacceptable practice.
2) Can our county fair drug test feeder calves?
There is growing support to expand drug testing to other classes of livestock exhibition, such as junior livestock exhibition non-terminal shows. Beginning in 2025, ODA will provide testing for the Grand and Reserve Champion market meat goats, market dairy goats, beef feeder calves, and dairy feeder calves (non-terminal) on a voluntary basis. If a fair or sponsor voluntarily wishes to have animals in these additional classes tested, the state will test in the same manner as other market classes. Regardless, all exhibition livestock must maintain the same status at the time of show, which is exhibition drug residue legal.
3) Can my child show an animal in showmanship with a drug in their system or when the animal is not "exhibition drug residue legal"?
ODA allows an animal to be shown in showmanship, even if they do not meet the "exhibition drug residue legal" definition and cannot show in their market or breeding class. That is because the showing of the animal in showmanship is a reflection on the individual showing the animal, not the animal itself. However, a county fair can have more strict rules than ODA and may not allow this animal to be shown.
4) Is an animal allowed to go through the sale ring when they are not exhibition drug residue legal?
If a situation arises that necessitates that an animal receives a medication after the show and before the sale, a new DUNF must be filed with the local sponsor immediately. This must also be done under the advisement and approval of the official veterinarian. Once done so, the animal may then go through the sale ring. All appropriate withdrawal times must be kept and the buyer notified of withdrawal time, if there is one.
However, a county fair can have more strict rules than ODA and may not allow this animal to be sold until the withdrawal time has been met.
5) Can I give my animal water by mouth via a hand pump or syringe at the exhibition?
You cannot FORCIBLY give an animal water by mouth at an exhibition. This practice is referred to as drenching. "Drenching" means the act of using an instrument, including a bottle, placed in an animal's mouth to orally administer a liquid, food, or any other substance. Drenching of livestock at an exhibition is prohibited, unless prescribed by the official veterinarian. Drenching is when you are forcing the animal to take in the liquid.
However, if you are holding a hand pump (in the example of swine) and the hog comes up and voluntarily takes a drink from the hand pump, that is acceptable.
Guidance Documents
Find the First Fairs and Exhibitions newsletter on our website.
Download a copy of the updated ODA FAQ, which includes additional questions not listed above.
Exhibition Guidance and Best Practice Checklist
To see the current rules:
- OAC 901-19
- OAC 901:1-18
- ORC 901.70-76
Cattle Warts
Cattle warts, also know as papillomatosis, are caused by several strains of bovine papilloma virus (BPV). Warts are typically found in the head, neck, and shoulder regions but may also be located on the teats, back, abdomen, or venereal region.
Most wart appears as growths on the skin with a thickened, hard, and scaly surface that may resemble cauliflower. Some strains of BPV may produce a papulonodule, which extends deeper into the dermal layer with a similar hard and scaley surface. Diagnosis is typically made by observation.
Transmission of cattle warts may occur due to direct contact with the warts or through indirect contact with fomites such as halters, tack, and medical instruments. There is also potential for spread through insect vectors. While cattle warts are contagious among cattle, they are not zoonotic as most papilloma viruses are species-specific.
Prevention of cattle warts includes disinfection of shared tack, medical instruments, and other equipment. If papillomatosis is problem at the herd level, vaccination is possible through commercially available or autogenous vaccines. Cattle warts typically resolve on their own, though they may last a year or more. Surgical removal is recommended for warts that are large or numerous.
Cattle with warts should refrain from exhibition or have the warts surgically removed before shows and fairs.
Additional Questions?
If you are an educator, parent, exhibitor, or fair veterinarian and have additional questions, our Fairs/Exhibitions Administrative team is always available to answer questions. If you wish to speak to the team, please email animal@agri.ohio.gov.
Dr. Dennis Summers - State Veterinarian
Dr. Kristy Shaw - Assistant State Veterinarian
Jacquie Keller-Potvin - Program Administrator
Cindy Bodie - Program Administrator
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