Fair underway with normal precautions for livestock areas

The Iowa State Fair got underway today, and unlike past years, there’s not the heightened public concern about animal disease like there’s been in the past. The “Mad cow” disease outbreak in Europe a few years ago was one of the things that raised concerns. Fair spokesperson Kathy Swift says the animals are still at the fair and so are the precautions. She says they have one of the largest livestock shows in the world and they do ask people to be careful about their health. Swift says you’ll see reminders of the common animal safety practices as you visit the various livestock areas. She says they’ll have signs to remind people of the need for frequent hand washing if they touch livestock. The animal exhibits at the fair like the largest boar, and biggest bull are some of the most popular attractions.