Fairs and exhibitions can spread influenza a viruses (IAV) between animals and people, causing illnesses that range from mild to severe

The Regents of the University of Minnesota received a $299,708 project grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program. The grant, awarded on March 15, 2025, will fund the creation of required learning modules on biosecurity and animal-to-human disease risks for 4-H youth, as well as the development of resources to help fair leaders learn about biosecurity and implement plans for their events. The project aims to reduce the risk of influenza A viruses and other diseases at animal fairs by enhancing biosecurity practices and increasing awareness among youth and fair management. The grant will run through March 14, 2027.

Animals and people from different places are in close contact for days, which goes against standard biosecurity practices. We want to reduce the risk of H5 influenza and other diseases at animal fairs by teaching biosecurity to youth and fair managers. To do this, we will create required learning modules for 4-h youth on biosecurity and animal-to-human disease risks. We will also help fair leaders learn about biosecurity and make a plan for their event. Our 4-h curriculum will cover more than basic biosecurity. Decision-makers will learn to review current practices, reduce risks, check improvements, and improve long-term biosecurity. Youth will learn important skills to stay informed, while fair boards will be ready to spot risks and solve problems for both current and future events. This approach will make fairs safer for both people and animals.