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

4-H and Youth Programming

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

Abstract

Agricultural exhibitions, including 4-H fairs and livestock shows, create opportunities for competition, camaraderie, and agricultural literacy. Biosecurity practices are critical to mitigating the risk of zoonotic disease events associated with animal exhibitions. As the next generation of leaders in the agricultural industry, 4-H youth are uniquely positioned to advance and exemplify biosecurity best practices within animal exhibitions. The BE SAFE: Biosecurity Education to Safeguard Animals at Fairs and Events program was developed by University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension in 2025 to enhance biosecurity practice amongst animal event visitors, exhibitors, and organizers. With support from an extramural grant, programmatic methodology included development and implementation of a suite of resources informed by the One Health approach, a global framework for optimizing human, animal, and environmental health. Resources in the suite included workshops, publications, signage, and biosecurity boxes. Workshops for 4-H fair exhibitors, volunteers, and superintendents were facilitated to educate youth and adults on biosecurity best practices. One workshop yielded knowledge change and behavioral intention outcomes for over two dozen 4-H youth and volunteers. Thirteen publications focused on conducting animal health checks and best practices for exhibitors and visitors were written by the project team and peer-reviewed by veterinary professionals. Fact sheets were distributed via the UConn Extension publications system, tabling events, social media, and partners such as the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Morning Ag Clips, Yahoo, and NBC Connecticut. Educational signage included topics such as hand-washing reminders and acknowledgement of restricted areas. An educational display was designed for exhibition visitors featuring best practices for healthy interactions with animals. This resource was displayed at UConn 4-H Fairs, exhibitions throughout Connecticut, and The Big E (regional fair). Biosecurity boxes containing necessary materials for preventing and addressing zoonotic disease challenges (e.g., PPE, disinfecting supplies) were assembled for and used by UConn 4-H Fair Associations. Due to the versatile applicability of BE SAFE resources to the agricultural industry and 4-H Positive Youth Development initiatives, these methods and materials can be adopted by other states to mitigate zoonotic disease concerns during animal events and to prepare youth to become Beyond Ready in stewarding human and animal health.

Authors: Sara Tomis, Jennifer Cushman, Halie Shea, Maryann Fusco-Rollins, Emily Alger, Bonnie Burr
  1. Sara Tomis Assistant Extension Educator One Health - Agriculture and Community Engagement, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06360
  2. Jennifer Cushman 4-H Extension Educator and State 4-H Program Leader, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06032
  3. Halie Shea 4-H Assistant Extension Educator, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06473
  4. Maryann Fusco-Rollins 4-H Assistant Extension Educator, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06084
  5. Emily Alger Educational Program Coordinator, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06438
  6. Bonnie Burr Department Head and Assistant Director of Extension, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06269