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Fair board weighs replacing boot disinfecting with boot washing to ease burden and boost safety
Summary
Kristen, presenting the 4‑H update, asked the board to change the fair policy from disinfecting boots to washing off debris at a wash rack; staff said health and risk departments have reviewed the idea and will bring a revised policy for board consideration next meeting.
Kristen (first name only in the transcript), giving the 4‑H update, told the board the fair will move many shows to hours when the public is present and detailed safety and biosecurity measures taken before and during the fair. She asked the board to consider changing the policy from "changing shoes" or "disinfecting" boots to a requirement that exhibitors "wash your boots off" at the wash rack to remove debris before entering livestock exhibitor areas.
"If we had to change shoes, it would be pretty cost prohibited," Kristen said, explaining that asking families to purchase a new pair of shoes for fair could create a financial burden. She and staff emphasized other biosecurity measures the fair already uses, including pre-fair testing (including testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza where required), veterinary health checks, separate walking paths, signage and handwashing stations.
Staff (S2) said the health and county risk departments have reviewed the concept and that county legal will be engaged to draft policy language. Staff described the proposed procedure: remove debris at the wash rack, rinse with water for roughly 30 seconds, then apply a cleaning agent if desired; the wash-rack drainage is routed to sewer during the fair through a valve the city turns for staff.
No formal policy vote was taken. Staff said they will bring a revised, proposed policy for board consideration at the July meeting (or earlier by special meeting if needed). Board members generally expressed support while asking for time to review the written proposal and to understand operational details and timing.
What happens next: Staff will work with county legal and health officials to produce written policy edits and distribute them to board members ahead of the July meeting for possible action.
