Maryland Department of Agriculture

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA), Animal Health Section strives in Safeguarding Maryland’s animal industries at our Fairs and Shows.  With an increased potential of disease transmission occurring when large numbers of animals gather for exhibition, MDA has set forth requirements for exhibitors to follow at Maryland Fairs and Shows.  As an exhibitor you can help reduce the potential risk of introduction and spread of infectious and/or contagious diseases by following the species specific health requirements as specified below.

1. Notification shall be made to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), Animal Health Section of intent to sponsor an event that includes the exhibition of animals at least 60 days before the proposed event. (Notification Form for Livestock/Poultry Exhibition)
2. Sponsor shall submit the Notification Form for Livestock/Poultry Exhibition no later than 60 days from the scheduled event to your Regional Health Office.
3. Report to the Department any animal from the exhibition suspected of having or showing obvious, apparent, or known signs of a contagious or infectious disease; or exclude from the exhibition premises any animal having obvious, apparent, or known signs of a contagious or infectious disease.
4. Exemptions of this regulation may be granted if:
1. The exhibition is a Maryland fair and show board funded event; or
2. The exhibition is sponsored, sanctioned, or otherwise approved by an association, coalition, or other entity which serves as an umbrella organization for multiple livestock exhibitions in a calendar year and
3. That organization provides adequate and timely notice of subordinate exhibitions to the Department.

 

2010 Health Requirements
Exhibitors shall ensure that the animals they present at fairs/shows are in good health.  Any animals showing signs of contagious or infectious disease are not permitted to enter or remain at the exhibition.  All exhibitors must adhere to the MDA Animal Health Rejection Policy.

Self Certification is required for all species.  The Self Certification documents shall be filled out by the owner/authorized caretaker/transporter prior to loading and presented upon request to the designated fair/show representative(s) or MDA Animal Health Official.

Livestock Exhibitors:

1. All livestock for exhibition shall be inspected by an accredited veterinarian within (60) days of the first exhibition.  It is the veterinarian’s responsibility to have knowledge of the current animal health requirements prior to inspection of animals and completion of the current MDA Intrastate CVI form.  It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to have the completed CVI form approved and stamped by the regional MDA Animal Health office prior to the date of the first exhibition.  The form must include the date of the first event to be attended.  The MDA intrastate CVI is valid for the entire show season. (Intrastate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection)
2. All Out-of-State livestock for exhibition in Maryland shall meet MDA Animal Health import requirements for the appropriate species and any additional Maryland exhibitor requirements.  Obtain an Interstate CVI from an accredited veterinarian.  The interstate CVI in valid for 30 days from the date of inspection.
   

   a. Import Requirements - http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/downloads/md.html
   

3. Livestock Exhibitor’s Self Certification of Animal Health will be filled out by the owner/authorized caretaker/transporter prior to loading and will be presented upon request to the designated fair/show representative(s) or MDA Animal Health Official at each show attended.

Equine Exhibitors

All equine for exhibition shall be accompanied by a valid Coggins Test (within 12 months).

1. Equine Exhibitor’s Self Certification of Animal Health is required for each equine entering a fair/show-type event where multiple livestock species are present. The form must be available for inspection if requested. Those participating in equine-only shows and events are exempt from this requirement; however, it is good practice to thoroughly double check the health and skin condition of the animal before departing for the event. The form provides an easy checklist to do this. Exhibitors may not bring an animal having apparent or known signs of a contagious or infectious disease to a show.

Poultry Exhibitors

2010 Health Requirements

1. All poultry exhibitors must have valid proof of a registered Maryland Poultry Premises ID Number.
2. All poultry for exhibition shall meet the requirements for Avian Influenza and Pullorum-Typhoid tests.
3. All poultry exhibitors shall complete a Poultry Exhibitor’s Self Certification of Animal Health.

1. All Rabbits for exhibition shall complete a Rabbit Exhibitor’s Self Certification of Animal Health.

Questions

If you have any questions or are unsure of any of these animal health requirements for Maryland fairs and shows, please contact your MDA Regional Health Offices during normal business hours.  To find your regional office please click on the map link below.
(MDA Regional Health Geographic Areas of Responsibility)
*Maryland Law provides penalties for violations of Animal Health Law and Regulations.
*Livestock failing to meet Health Requirements will be denied entry or removed from the exhibition

MDA Headquarters: 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401 (410)-841-5810
Frederick Animal Health Lab: 1840 Rosemont Ave., Frederick, MD  21702 (301)-600-1548
Salisbury Animal Health Lab: 27722 Nanticoke Rd., Salisbury, MD  21801 (410)-543-6610