Board to reconvene exhibitor‑guide committee and pursue formal biosecurity plan

The County Fair Advisory Board agreed to restart a previously dormant exhibitor‑guide committee to update animal haul‑in and haul‑out rules and other exhibitor policies, and supervisors said they will also form a biosecurity planning group to draft an outbreak response plan using extension service templates.

Board members named the proposed exhibitor‑guide committee: several volunteers (including Julie, LaDonna, Megan, Cindy and Tina) and the board said they would invite superintendents (named examples: Brian and Ivy) and subject experts to consult on species‑specific checks and vet protocols. Melissa (fair staff) said a professor from the WSU veterinary school will attend an October 19 roundtable to advise on health‑check procedures.

Separately, staff presented a biosecurity webinar and distributed a WSU‑linked action‑plan template. Staff said the template’s author (Paul Cooper, referenced in the training materials) provides sample policies, checklists and sample communications; the board agreed volunteers with animal expertise should lead the policy drafting and that first responders (sheriff, fire districts) be included in training so response decisions in the field align with the fair’s plan.

Ending: The exhibitor‑guide committee will be reconstituted and will meet to draft times and rules; a biosecurity subcommittee will use extension templates to produce a formal action plan for outbreaks and coordinate trainings with first responders and staff.