TENNESSEE FAIR REGULATIONS

TO: Fair Officials, Rodeo, Livestock and Poultry Exhibition or Show Managers
FROM: Samantha Beaty, DVM State Veterinarian
DATE: February 21, 2025

Enclosed is a summary of Tennessee regulations and health requirements for livestock and poultry at fair shows, exhibitions, other shows
and rodeos.

Special Comments:
1. It is expected that all exhibitors bring only healthy animals to fairs and exhibitions. Although state and
federal animal health officials will be performing as many inspections as possible, fair officials are
responsible for ensuring that all animals entering fairs for exhibition are in overall good health and
are accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Animals showing clinical signs of contagious
disease should be sent home immediately. Violations should be reported to the state veterinarian or
her agent.

2. Certificate(s) of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) are to accompany all animal(s) to the respective shows with
the exception of in-state Tennessee equine and poultry. In-state Tennessee equine six (6) months of age
and older must have a negative Equine Infectious Anemia test within the preceding twelve (12) months.
Poultry assembled at shows or exhibitions should be accompanied by evidence of a negative test for
Pullorum-Typhoid within 90 days or be tested on-site prior to exhibition following strict biosecurity
procedures or originate directly from a flock which has been certified as Pullorum-Typhoid
Clean under the Tennessee Poultry Improvement Plan. As part of increased awareness and surveillance
for Avian Influenza and other poultry diseases, the physical appearance of all birds should be assessed at
the time testing is conducted.

3. Certificates of Veterinary Inspection issued in satisfaction of these Tennessee Fair Regulations shall be
good for 90 days for Tennessee livestock only.

4. Certificates of Veterinary Inspection demonstrate that the animal showed no signs of contagious disease
at the time of veterinary exam and CVI issuance. Animals developing signs of disease after inspection
but during the period the CVI is valid are still subject to rules refusing entry of animals with contagious
diseases to exhibitions and shows.

5. Please note that exhibition requirements for out-of-state livestock are the same as regular import
requirements.

6. Warts, ringworm, scabies, contagious ecthyma (sore mouth), foot rot, cutaneous fungal
and bacterial infections (i.e. club lamb disease, caseous lymphadenitis, pink eye/conjunctivitis)
are considered contagious and infectious diseases and are NOT permissible.

7. All out-of-state poultry must originate directly from a Pullorum-Typhoid Clean Flock
and a H5/H7 Avian Influenza Clean Flock or be accompanied by evidence of a negative
Pullorum-Typhoid test within ninety (90) days and a negative official Avian Influenza
test within twenty-one (21) days.

Also, please note that if highly pathogenic avian influenza is detected in Tennessee or a neighboring
state, commingling of poultry at fairs and exhibitions may be suspended.

Event Biosecurity
Below is a summary of recommendations for fair management by the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials and the National
Association of State Public Health Veterinarians to better protect fair attendees from disease:
o Provide easy access to hand washing stations.
o Post informational signage that includes the following messages:

No eating or drinking in the animal areas.

Wash hands frequently.

No pacifiers, sipping cups or strollers in the animal exhibition areas.
o Discourage sleeping in the animal exhibition areas.
o If human or swine influenza-like-illness is associated with the exhibition, animal health and
public health officials should be notified immediately.
o People who have influenza-like illness should leave the exhibition immediately and seek
medical care. They should advise their health care provider about their fair attendance.
o People at high risk for developing severe complications from influenza should limit their
exposure to swine.

Also, be aware of the potential exposure of fair attendees to Salmonella and E. coli 0157 from animals exhibited on the fairgrounds. Please
retain this material for reference during the remainder of the 2025 fair season.

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DIVISION OF ANIMAL HEALTH
SUMMARY: LIVESTOCK HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS

I GENERAL:
A. All stalls, pens, chutes, etc. located on the grounds of fairs and exhibitions shall be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with a disinfectant approved by USDA, APHIS
between each scheduled fair or exhibition.
B. All livestock (except poultry and equine) which enter fairs and exhibitions shall be accompanied by an
official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection with individual permanent identification. Certificates for this
purpose shall be valid for ninety (90) days from date of issue. (Tennessee livestock only – out-of-state
certificates are valid for thirty (30) days from the date of issue)
C. No animal showing clinical signs of infectious or communicable disease
shall be allowed to enter or remain on premises of fairs or exhibitions. It
shall be the responsibility of the manager of each event to assure prompt
removal of such animals.

II LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY ORIGINATING WITHIN THE STATE OF
TENNESSEE
[Certificates of Veterinary Inspection Valid for a Period of Ninety (90) Days]
A. SWINE:
All swine which enter fairs and exhibitions shall be accompanied by an official
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection with individual permanent identification or sufficient description to identify
each animal.
B. CATTLE:
All cattle which enter fairs and exhibitions shall be accompanied by an official
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection with individual permanent, official identification.
Lactating Dairy Cattle residing within Tennessee and moving to an exhibition, show, or sale within Tennessee
(intrastate movement) do not require pre-movement H5N1 testing.
C. POULTRY:
(1) Sponsors of poultry shows or exhibitions shall notify the Tennessee Department of
Agriculture at least thirty (30) days prior to show orexhibition.
(2) Poultry found not to be in apparent good health shall be removed immediately from any
show or exhibition.
D. HORSES & OTHER EQUIDAE:
Horses and other Equidae six (6) months of age and older must have a negative Equine Infectious Anemia test
within the preceding twelve (12) months.
E. SHEEP
(1) All sheep imported into or through Tennessee shall be accompanied by an official Certificate of Veterinary
Inspection and be in compliance with 0080-2-1-.02, and Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 79.1 through
79.4.
(2) All sheep that move within the state, with the exception of wethers under the age of 18 months that are produced
for slaughter only, including for change of ownership, shows, fairs, expositions or slaughter shall be permanently,
individually identified by a method approved in Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 79.1 through 79.4.
F. GOATS
(1) Goats imported into or through Tennessee shall be accompanied by an official
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and be in compliance with 0080-2-1-.02, and Title 9, Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 79.1 through 79.4.
(2) Goats imported into Tennessee for immediate slaughter to an approved slaughter establishment or to an
approved livestock market for sale to a slaughter establishment shall only be required to have a transportation
document and be in compliance with Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 79.1 through 79.4.
(3) All registered breeding goats, goats that have been commingled with sheep, goats for exhibition and dairy
goats that move within the state, including for change of ownership, shows, fairs, expositions or slaughter shall
be permanently, individually identified by a method approved in Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 79.1
through 79.4.
G. CAMELIDS: Camelids must have an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection as provided in Rule 0080-
2-3-.01 (1).
H. CAPTIVE CERVIDAE: Captive Cervidae must have an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection as
provided in Rule 0080-2-3-.01 (1).
(1) CWD susceptible species must have two forms of identification (including
official USDA ID)
(2) CWD susceptible species must not move from a CWD affected County to a
non-CWD affected County.

III LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY ORIGINATING OUTSIDE THE STATE OF TENNESSEE
Livestock and Poultry entering fairs and exhibitions from areas outside the State of Tennessee shall be subject to current Tennessee
import requirements. Please contact the state veterinarian’s office regarding questions or recent changes to these rules. These interstate
requirements are summarized as follows:
A. ALL SPECIES (except poultry):
Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection valid for thirty (30) days and individual permanent official identification,
except for equine. Equine must have sufficient description to identify the animal.
B. CATTLE:
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and additional requirements as follows:
(1) Tuberculosis: No requirements except for cattle originating from regions not considered free of tuberculosis.
(2) Brucellosis: No requirements except for cattle originating from regions not considered free
of brucellosis. Test eligible cattle – Intact male or female cattle eighteen (18) months or older.
(Vaccinates and non-vaccinates)
(3) Per the USDA Federal Order, all lactating dairy cattle originating outside the State of Tennessee must have a
negative H5N1 test within seven (7) days of interstate movement. Lactating dairy cattle can move back to the state of
origin within ten (10) days of test.
C. SWINE:
No testing requirements for swine unless originating from a region not considered free of Brucellosis and Pseudorabies.
D. HORSES AND OTHER EQUINES:
Animals six (6) months of age or older – negative equine infectious anemia (Coggins) test within twelve (12) months.
E. POULTRY:
Originate directly from a Pullorum-Typhoid Clean Flock and an H5/H7 Avian Influenza Clean Flock or be accompanied
by evidence of a negative Pullorum-Typhoid test within ninety (90) days and a negative Avian Influenza test within
twenty-one (21) days.
F. SHEEP
(1) All sheep imported into or through Tennessee shall be accompanied by an official
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and be in compliance with 0080-2-1-.02, and Title 9, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 79.1 through 79.4.
(2) All sheep that move within the state, including for change of ownership, shows, fairs, expositions
or slaughter shall be permanently, individually identified by a method approved in Title 9, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 79.1 through 79.4.
G. GOATS
(1) Goats imported into or through Tennessee shall be accompanied by an official
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and be in compliance with 0080-2-1-.02, and Title 9, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 79.1 through 79.4.
(2) Goats imported into Tennessee for immediate slaughter to an approved slaughter establishment
or to an approved livestock market for sale to a slaughter establishment shall only be required to have a
transportation document and be in compliance with Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 79.1
through 79.4.
(3) All registered breeding goats, goats that have been commingled with sheep, goats for exhibition
and dairy goats that move within the state, including for change of ownership, shows, fairs,
expositions or slaughter shall be permanently, individually identified by a method approved in
Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 79.1 through 79.4.
H. CAMELIDAE: Same requirements as for cattle.
I. CERVIDAE:
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and additional requirements as follows:
(1) Brucellosis: Same requirements as for cattle.
(2) Tuberculosis:
(a) All cervidae shall originate in herds which have had a negative herd test for tuberculosis within twelve
(12) months with a USDA approved single cervical test and individual imported animals shall be negative
to the single cervical test within thirty (30) days of entry; or
(b) Animals not originating in tested herds as described above must test negative to two (2) single cervical
tests at least ninety (90) days apart, the second test conducted not more than thirty (30) days prior to entry.
(3) Two forms of identification (including official USDA official ID)
(4) CWD:
(a) CWD susceptible species must be from a CWD Certified Herd
NOTE: (Contact an accredited veterinarian for further details of import rules).
IV Fair association or exhibition or management shall inform exhibitors of the rules
of this chapter and shall notify the State Veterinarian or her agent of any violations.
Exhibitors shall present evidence of compliance with this chapter to the State
Veterinarian or his agent upon request.
These rules constitute a minimum legal standard and in no way restrict the right of
fair and exhibition managers to establish additional or more stringent requirements.
Accepted Official Identification Types by Species for Fairs/Exhibition
Animals being imported from out of state must meet import requirements.
Bovine
– 840 RFID tag
– USDA Metal tag (if placed before November 5th, 2024.)
– Registration Tattoo – Registration papers must be submitted with the CVI to our office and must travel with the
animal to exhibitions with their CVI.
– Sufficient description to identify each animal individually ***
Swine
– USDA metal tag
– 840 RFID tag
– Registration Tattoo – Registration papers must be submitted with the CVI to our office and must travel with the
animal to exhibitions with their CVI.
– Ear Notches – Registration papers must be submitted with the CVI to our office and must travel with the animal to
exhibitions with their CVI.
– Sufficient description to identify each animal individually ***
Sheep and Goats
– Scrapie Tag
– Registration Tattoo – Registration papers must be submitted with the CVI to our office and must travel with the
animal to exhibitions with their CVI.
– Electronic Implant – Registration papers must be submitted with the CVI to our office and must travel with the
animal to exhibitions with their CVI.
***Sufficient Description to Identify each Animal- Animal should have obvious unique identifiers including markings or scars that
would make the animal distinguishable from all other animals of the same sex and species regardless of age. This is only applicable to
Tennessee origin animals shown at Tennessee fairs.
Recommendations for Exhibitors of Lactating Dairy Cows Related to H5N1/Avian Influenza of Dairy Cattle —
Adapted from USDA APHIS Guidance (May, 2024)
Before the· Event Become familiar with requirements for interstate movement as well as any state specific
exhibition requirements prior to the event.
1. Rules and Regulations Governing Movement and Handling of Livestock at
Fairs and Exhibitions
2. Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly
Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock
3. APHIS strongly recommends minimizing movement of lactating dairy cattle
as much as possible, with special attention to evaluating risk and factoring that
risk into movement decisions.
4. Consult with your veterinarian to discuss risk.
5. Lactating dairy cattle moving interstate to an exhibition, show, or sale must have a
negative test result from samples collected within 7 days of movement. These animals
may travel to their home herd using the same negative test result provided the exhibition,
show, or sale does not exceed 10 days of length.
6. Lactating Dairy Cattle residing within Tennessee and moving to an
exhibition, show, or sale within Tennessee (intrastate movement) do not
· require pre-movement testing. Become familiar with signs of influenza in cattle and work with your veterinarian to ensure your animals
are free of illness.
1. Signs of influenza in dairy cattle include decreased milk production; reduced
appetite; thickened, discolored milk; lethargy; fever; and/or dehydration.
2. If you have any animals with clinical signs on the premises, do not move other
· animals off the premises. · Ensure that any people that will be attending the fair or exhibition do not have any symptoms of illness. Clean and disinfect any equipment you will be bringing with you to the exhibition such as:
1. Feed equipment
2. Cleaning utensils
3. Grooming equipment
4. Vehicle and Trailer (inside and out)
5. Portable milking equipment
6. Use approved disinfectants that are safe for human and animal contact:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-m-registered-antimi·
crobial-products- label-claims-avian-influenza Avoid transporting animals from different premises in the same trailer.
During th·e Event Keep copies of certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs), vaccination records, and test results on
· hand and readily available. Observe cattle regularly for signs of influenza-like illness (e.g. decreased milk
production; reduced appetite; thickened, discolored milk; lethargy; fever; and/or
· dehydration). · Report sick cattle to the show veterinarian and exhibition organizers. Sick animals should be immediately removed from the exhibition or moved to a designated temporary
isolation area. Sick lactating dairy cattle can be evaluated on site before leaving the premises
OR can be sent home and state animal health officials and your veterinarian should be contacted
for follow up testing.
1. Interaction with the sick animal should be limited to only people caring for the animal.
2. Dedicated personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable gloves,
gown/coveralls, and boots or boot covers should be worn by people caring for
sick animals.
3. No treatment supplies, feed or water, portable milking equipment
and supplies, or grooming supplies should be shared between sick
animals and healthy animals.
4. Additional precautions should be taken by those caring for sick animals to minimize
the opportunity for disease transmission to other cattle or people. Precautions could
include hand washing before putting on and after taking off PPE, changing clothes
· and changing boots between activities. Follow the event’s biosecurity plan.
1. Avoid close contact with other exhibitor’s animals and avoid
· nose-to-nose contact between animals. · Follow the event guidance for handling milk from lactating cows. Do not share tools, feed and water, portable milking equipment and supplies, or grooming
supplies with other exhibitors.
After the E·v ent Isolate and observe animals daily for illness after returning home and before allowing contact with
other animals.
1. 30-day isolation of lactating dairy cattle from other livestock is recommended.
· 2. Do not share equipment between show cattle and other animals at home. Discuss the need to test animals returning from an exhibition or fair for influenza A with your
· veterinarian. Consult your state or local public health department if exhibitors or family members develop
influenza-like illness (e.g., fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches,
headaches, tiredness, and/or vomiting and diarrhea) or conjunctivitis (red eyes) following the event.
Testing and treatment for influenza A may be available. The Tennessee Department of Health can be
· reached at 615-741-7247 (24/7). Clean and disinfect all equipment you took to the show.
1. Use approved disinfectants that are safe for human and animal contact: https://
www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-m-registered-antimicrobial-products- label-
claims-avian-influenza
2. For any questions, please contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at 615-837-5120 or
animal.health@tn.gov or the Tennessee Department of Health at 615-741-7247 or cedep.
investigation@tn.gov .
Recommendations for Livestock Exhibition Organizers — Adapted from USDA APHIS Guidance May, 2024
Before the· Event Collect sufficient contact information (i.e., email addresses and cell phone numbers) from all exhibitors
to be able to rapidly communicate procedural changes, requests for information, or incidents
· associated with the exhibition. Review federal and state movement requirements (current as of 5/29/24) and work with State Animal
Health Officials to develop a plan for enforcement according to Tennessee Animal Health Rules.
1. Rules and Regulations Governing Movement and Handling of Livestock at
Fairs and Exhibitions
2. Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian
Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock
3. Lactating Dairy Cattle moving interstate to an exhibition, show,
or sale must have a negative H5N1 test result from samples
collected within 7 days of movement. These animals may travel to
their home herd using the same negative test result provided the
exhibition, show, or sale does not exceed 10 concurrent days.
4. Lactating Dairy Cattle residing within Tennessee and moving
to an exhibition, show, or sale within Tennessee (intrastate
· movement) do not require pre-movement testing. Collect contact information for state animal health officials and local or state public health
officials to ensure they can be reached if they are needed during an event.
1. Tennessee State Veterinarian’s Office: 615-837-5120
2. Weekend and After Hours, contact TEMA Watch Point:
615-741-0001
· 3. Tennessee Department of Health: 615-741-7247 (24/7 coverage) Ensure that a process is in place to document farms of origin of cattle as well as individual
identification of cows.
1. Scan CVI/movement documents with smart phone or scanner
· and save in event State Animal Health Officials request copies. Develop and share the biosecurity plan for the event with exhibitors. The plan should:
Limit co-mingling of cows from different herds to the extent possible.
1. Exhibition spaces should be designed to limit nose-to -nose
contact between animals with physical separation (such as
tarps) provided to the extent possible.
2. Communicate expectations for milking of healthy cows while
at the exhibition such as:
3. Require that all milk be disposed of, not sold or fed to other
livestock;
4. Prohibition of dumping milk anywhere on the
grounds outside of designated event tanks.
5. All waste milk be acidified or pasteurized before being disposed.
6. Designate isolation areas and plans for milk discard for sick cows.
7. Tennessee Animal Exhibition and Fair Rules require that any
animal that arrives at an exhibition with signs of contagious illness
must be removed from premises.
8. www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/agriculture/documents/
animalhealth/2024/fairs/Fair%20Show%20Exhibition%20
Regs%202024.doc
9. Establish a protocol to immediately isolate sick cows who develop
signs of illness after arrival on exhibition premises. Sick LDC can
be evaluated on site before leaving the premises OR can be sent
home and state animal health officials and your veterinarian
should be contacted for follow up testing.
10. Isolation areas should be located away from all other cattle/
livestock and the public.
11. General public should NOT be allowed to walk through/visit
isolation areas or barns. Barriers and signage should be put in
place for animals sent to isolation.
12. Isolation areas should not share confined air space, panels/
fence lines, feeding, or watering space with other animals.
13. Milk should be discarded according to state and local regulations.
14. Limit direct contact with the general public to the extent possible
(e.g., no “milk a cow” exhibits).
15. Outline cleaning and disinfection procedures for both exhibition
· and isolation areas. Ensure handwashing stations with running water, soap, and paper towels are available near the exit
· of the exhibition area. · Establish an official show veterinarian for the event to manage sick animals. Work with state animal health officials to understand interstate and intrastate testing
and movement requirements for exhibition cattle and communicate these requirements
to exhibitors.
1. Interstate movements of lactating dairy cattle must follow Federal requirements.
2. Additionally, state-specific guidance for moving cattle intrastate must be followed.
During th·e Event Communicate with exhibitors and their family members at the start of the exhibition to:
1. Review animal disease control measures to be utilized during the exhibition,
including the daily monitoring of the animals during the show and biosecurity
measures.
2. Provide specific actions that may be required if a cow becomes sick at the show (per
the pre-event testing and movement requirements established with state animal
· health officials). Clean and disinfect equipment frequently.
1. Use approved disinfectants that are safe for human and animal contact:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-m-registered-antimi·
crobial-products- label-claims-avian-influenza · Ensure adequate ventilation and temperature control are in place. Post signs near the exhibition area exits that instruct visitors to wash their hands when leaving the
animal area.
After the Event Clean and disinfect exhibition areas.
1. Use approved disinfectants that are safe for human and animal contact:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-m-registered-antimi·
crobial-products- label-claims-avian-influenza · Hold a debrief meeting to discuss what went well and improvements for next year. Consult the state or local public health department if exhibitors, attendees or family members develop
influenza-like illness (e.g., fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches,
headaches, tiredness, and/or vomiting and diarrhea) or conjunctivitis (red eyes) following the event.
Testing and treatment for influenza A may be available. The Tennessee Department of Health can be
· reached at 615-741-7247 (24/7). · Tell the healthcare provider about exposure to dairy cattle. Collaborate with TDA and TDH on a communication plan if there is an Influenza A detection linked to the event.
For any questions, please contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at 615-837-5120 or animal.health@tn.gov or the Tennessee Department of
Health at 615-741-7247 or cedep.investigation@tn.gov.