By Avonne Petty
Pike County
4-H Program Assistant
Pseudorabies, premise tags, Avian Influenza are all concerns for exhibitors at county fairs this fall.
Due to the anticipated high risk period for the introduction of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza into domestic poultry this fall several requirements for poultry exhibitions are effective September, 1, 2015. The exhibition of waterfowl at poultry events (fairs, shows, exhibitions, swap meets, sales, etc.) is prohibited. No ducks or geese will be allowed to show at the fairs this fall. All poultry must be Pullorum (PT) negative before showing at the fair.
Poultry testing for the Pike County Fair will be held at the fairgrounds Saturday, Sept. 12, between 8:00 a.m. and 12 noon. All poultry, including 4-H Poultry Chain birds, must be tested at this time.
Rabbits will be tattooed and registered at the fairgrounds on Sept. 12, between 8:00 a.m. and 12 noon.
In order to exhibit swine, the animal must be Pseudorabies tested. Blood must be drawn by a veterinarian and sent to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission for testing. They only run the Pseudorabies test on Mondays. The tests are good for 90 days. I urge anyone exhibiting swine at the county fair to go ahead and get this done early.
Swine must also have a “Premise ID Tag” in the hog’s ear. Premise tags are available through the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission http://alpc.arkansas.gov/Pages/defaultlaspx. You may also contact the Extension office and we will send you a copy. Premise ID tags should remain in the hog’s ear and should not be removed under any circumstances.
District Fair registration is due Sept. 5, and must be entered on the internet at: www.southwestarkansasdistrictlivestockshow.com Entries must be made by an Agri Teacher, or the County Extension Agent. You will also be required to pay the fees online. Livestock entry tags will be given out by your Agri Teacher or the Extension Agent.
Livestock State Fair registration for commercial and registered animals are due Sept. 1, and must be entered on the internet at www.asfg.net. Check out that website for all information. An Exhibitor Signature Form is required this year.
Because Pike County is without a county extension agent this year, I will try to help you in any way I can. Call the office at 870-285-2161 or email me at apetty@uaex.edu.
