Animal owners who attended recent State Fairs are advised to take some simple biosecurity steps to protect the health of their animals after they return home. South Dakota State University Extension Cow Calf Field Specialist Taylor Grussing says to isolate fair animals before turning them back out with the rest of the herd.

She says animals should be isolated for at least a month after returning to the farm or ranch and producers should monitor them for any signs of illness to avoid introducing new infectious agents into the herd.

Grussing says it’s also good to practice typical biosecurity measures now that the fair is over.

Grussing says another good management practice is to clean manure and soil from all equipment, vehicles and trailers that were used to transport animals from the fair.