Know Before You Show

Protect Your Animals. Protect Other Exhibitors. Protect Yourself.

Showing livestock is a point of pride, responsibility, and learning. One sick animal can quickly spread disease to others at a show — and in some cases, to people. Knowing what to look for before you load the trailer is one of the most important jobs of an exhibitor.

Animal Health Awareness Matters

Livestock shows bring animals from many farms together in one place. This creates a higher risk for contagious diseases to spread through:

  • Direct animal-to-animal contact
  • Shared grooming equipment
  • Contaminated pens, bedding, or trailers
  • Humans carrying germs on hands, clothing, or boots

Healthy animals make for a safe, successful show experience for everyone

Prevention Starts With You

  • Inspect animals carefully for lesions, scabs, warts, abscesses, eye issues, or illness
  • Isolate new animals for at least 2–4 weeks
  • Clean and disinfect all equipment
  • Control flies and improve ventilation
  • Do not share equipment
  • Keep pens clean and dry
  • Handle sick animals last (or not at all)
  • Wash hands frequently and use gloves when needed
  • Disinfect equipment, trailers, and clothing
  • Isolate returning animals for 10–14 days
  • Monitor animals daily for signs of illness

Diseases spread quickly when animals are gathered together. Common routes include:

  • Nose-to-nose contact
  • Shared grooming tools and equipment
  • Dirty pens and bedding
  • Insects such as flies
  • Humans carrying germs on hands, clothing, and footwear

Call your veterinarian if you notice:

  • Eye ulcers or severe pinkeye
  • Any abscess in sheep or goats
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Diarrhea or dehydration
  • Sudden fever, lethargy, or breathing problems

Early action protects your animal and others.

To promote the health of livestock in Tennessee and beyond, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has partnered with the UT Extension Service to provide the following flyers to outline health requirements and recommendations for livestock participating in fairs, shows, and exhibitions. Please feel free to download, print, and share.
Cattle Guidance / Cattle Guidance Espanol
Swine Guidance / Swine Guidance Espanol
Sheep & Goat Guidance / Sheep & Goat Guidance Espanol
Poultry Guidance / Poultry Guidance Espanol
Equine Guidance / Equine Guidance Espanol

Social Media Toolkit

Be a Responsible Exhibitor

Showing livestock is about more than ribbons. It’s about responsibility, education, and respect for animal health.

Know before you show — your actions matter.