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BE SAFE: Biosecurity Education to Safeguard Animals at Fairs and Events

Extension Education

Sara Tomis
Assistant Extension Educator One Health - Agriculture and Community Engagement
University of Connecticut
Norwich

Abstract

Fairs and agricultural events bring people and animals together, creating valuable opportunities for agricultural education and community connection. However, these events also present increased risks for the spread of zoonotic diseases - those that can be transmitted between animals and humans. BE SAFE: Biosecurity Education to Safeguard Animals at Fairs and Events program is a proactive educational initiative designed to enhance biosecurity practices at fairs and public animal events, protecting both animal and human health. The primary objective of BE SAFE was to increase biosecurity preparedness across these events by increasing awareness and promoting best practices amongst key participants, including exhibitors, decision-makers, volunteers, and visitors. This effort included developing resources that made implementing these measures practical and achievable. By combining education with accessible tools and guidance, the program also aimed to build long-term capacity within the agricultural community and increase resilience to zoonotic disease threats. Program deliverables included educational signage, biosecurity boxes, fact sheets, and workshops. Signage was designed to educate visitors on best practices for healthy interactions with animals at events. An educational banner was displayed at UConn 4-H events, the regional Big E, and several fairs around the state. Three biosecurity boxes containing essential materials for preventing and addressing zoonotic disease challenges were assembled and made available to UConn 4-H Fair Associations. Thirteen peer-reviewed fact sheets were created to guide animal exhibition personnel and inform exhibitors and visitors. Five workshops covering biosecurity best practices were facilitated for varied audiences serving in animal event contexts. One workshop engaging 35 youth and adults resulted in increased knowledge for over 95% of participants related to biosecurity importance; recommendations before, during, and after fairs; conducting animal health checks; and how 4-H Fair Associations can promote biosecurity. Additionally, 91% of participants indicated they planned to use at least one biosecurity best practice that they learned because of the workshop. The BE SAFE program increased awareness and practice of biosecurity measures. The BE SAFE team intends to continue adding to the biosecurity resource repository, delivering biosecurity workshops, and enhancing the availability of BE SAFE resources to promote biosecurity enhancement within fairs and animal events.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Sara Tomis, Jennifer Cushman, Halie Shea, Maryann Fusco-Rollins, Emily Alger, Bonnie Burr, Oliver Przech, Ashley Chartier
  1. Tomis, S. Assistant Extension Educator One Health - Agriculture and Community Engagement, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06360
  2. Cushman, J. 4-H Extension Educator and State 4-H Program Leader, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06032
  3. Shea, H. 4-H Assistant Extension Educator, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06473
  4. Fusco-Rollins, M. 4-H Assistant Extension Educator, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06084
  5. Alger, E. Educational Program Coordinator, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06438
  6. Burr, B. Department Head and Assistant Director of Extension, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06269
  7. Przech, O. Student Intern, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06269
  8. Chartier, A. Student Intern, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06269