|
|
County fair takes cautious
measures
By Morgan Conklin
Summer
Reporter
The Indiana County Fairs will begin as early as
next week, and the issue of foot and mouth disease has become a topic
for discussion.
Clint Rusk, youth livestock specialist, said because
the disease has not been in the states for a number of years, farmers
and other fair goers should not anticipate being exposed to the disease.
Some precautionary measures the state is taking
to ensure the health of the animals include posting signs around livestock
areas. The signs will ask those people who have recently been to European
countries to refrain from coming into contact with the animals. "We
can’t ensure that people follow the rules; however, we will educate
them the best we can and rely on a trust system at that time to hope
they follow our guidelines," said Rusk.
Dr. T.F. Connor, a director for the Board of Animal
Health, said it is important for those people who attend the fairs to
be aware of the possible risks involved. "People need to avoid
making numerous trips to and from the fairs," he said. "To
minimize what you could be tracking on your feet, clean your shoes often,
and make sure you change your clothes frequently."
Connor recommended that animals brought home from
the fair be isolated from other animals for 30 days. "As for all
diseases, the isolation period will wipe out most, if not all of a disease
the animal may have gotten," he said.
Both Connor and Rusk believe foot and mouth disease
is a declining problem abroad. "The problem is decreasing every
day," Connor said. "Because animals with the disease are being
identified and removed quickly, the disease is no longer spreading."
Visit the Agriculture Administration Building,
Room 225, to pick up brochures to learn more about the disease.
|
Work
begins on University Street parking garage later than foreseen
County
fair takes cautious measures
CITY DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111
ext. 250
To
send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org
|
