Second sick animal at the Fair wasn't an issue

The 2019 Winneshiek County Fair had not one but two cases of sick animals.  The Winneshiek County Extension Office says a pig being exhibited at the Fair was discovered to have an elevated temperature and skin lesions.

The pig was quarantined and tested for Foreign Animal Disease.  The tests were negative. All pigs being exhibited at the Fair were released early, before Saturday's auction.

The news release by the Extension Office says, "It is a longstanding policy of the Winneshiek County Fair that all animals are examined by an accredited and licensed veterinarian."  All pigs shown at the Fair are slaughtered following the fair, so they do not return to the farm from where they came.

Winneshiek County Emergency Management Director Sean Snyder says emergency procedures were put into place--but they were not needed.  Snyder says two years ago an emergency preparedness drill was held which made sure crews knew how to respond in the case of an issue involving animals.  He says another such drill could be held some time this winter.

The Winneshiek County Extension Office's news release states, "All events were handled appropriately for the best interest of animal care and food safety.  There is no human health risk."