University of Wisconsin - Extension

An educational program on biosecurity, animal health, food safety and risk management at county fairs will be held Saturday, March 2, at Washington County Fair Park near West Bend, starting at 10 a.m.

This program is for county fair boards or committees, health department staff, Extension agents and others who make decisions and arrangements to reduce the risks associated with operating a county fair. Information provided will help in planning for the upcoming 2002 county fairs.

The topics for the program include:

• "Biosecurity and Animal Health," Dr. Greg Smith, veterinarian,

  Department of * Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection;

• "Providing Safe Food at Your Fair," Gary Pallaske, Wisconsin
• Department of * Environmental Health; and
• "Reducing Risks at Your Fair," David M. Valentine, vice president, Network Safety Consultants.

Events in recent months have increased the need to closely evaluate procedures that fairs are following to provide a safe environment for animals and for participants.

Registration forms are being sent to county fairs officials and others. The cost for the program is $10.00 per person, which includes lunch. For program information and registration information, contact the Washington County UW-Extension Office, 262-335-4477; the Washington County Fair Office, 262-677-5060; or go to www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/washington/fairprogram.html.

Reservations are appreciated by February 25.

This program is being sponsored by Washington County UW-Extension, Washington County Fair, and with support from the Wisconsin Association of Fairs.