An agricultural show parade

An agricultural show is a public event exhibiting the equipment, animals, sports and recreation associated with agriculture and animal husbandry. The largest comprise a livestock show (a judged event or display in which breeding stock is exhibited), a trade fair, competitions, and entertainment. The work and practices of farmers, animal fanciers, cowboys, and zoologists may be displayed. The terms agricultural show and livestock show are synonymous with the North American terms county fair and state fair.

History

The first known agricultural show was held by Salford Agricultural Society, Lancashire, in 1768.[1]

Events

Cheddar cheese competition.

Since the 19th century, agricultural shows have provided local people with an opportunity to celebrate achievements and enjoy a break from day-to-day routine.[2] With a combination of serious competition and light entertainment, annual shows acknowledged and rewarded the hard work and skill of primary producers and provided a venue for rural families to socialise. City shows also provide city people with an opportunity to engage directly with rural life and food production.[3]

Agriculture shows are often enlivened with competitive events, including sheaf tossing, show jumping, food competitions, and tent pegging. Demolition derbies and rodeos are popular in the US and campdrafting and wood chopping are often held in Australia.

Studs are generally available for a fee.

Livestock shows

Border Leicesters lined up for the judge

A livestock show is an event where livestock are exhibited and judged on certain phenotypical breed traits as specified by their respective breed standard. Species of livestock that may be shown include pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, llamas, and alpacas.[4] Poultry such as chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and pigeons are also shown competitively.[5] There are also competitive shows for dogs, sheepdogs, and cats.

Prize-winners at agricultural shows are generally awarded inscribed medals, cups, rosettes or ribbons. The National Museum of Australia has a rare collection of medals documenting the history of agricultural shows and rural industries across Australia.[3] The 111 medals range in date from the mid-19th to the early 20th century and many are associated with significant individuals and organizations.[6]

Field days

Related to a show is the "field day", with elements of a trade show for machinery, equipment and skills required for broadacre farming. Field days typically do not involve livestock, show bags or sideshows, but may include events such as ploughing competitions not usually associated with shows due to the larger space required. In some communities in northern England Field Days (or Club Days) have lost their agricultural character and have become community celebrations.

The events are good sources of agricultural information, as organizers can arrange for guest speakers to talk on a range of topics, such as the talk on the yellow-flowering alfalfa at the South Dakota field day.[7] Pecan growers were given a talk on insect control by an entomologist at a recent field day at LSU AgCenter's Pecan Research/Extension Station in Shreveport, La.[8]

A Landcare survey conducted in 1992/93 revealed that field days in Australia have a high value among local farmers.[9] New Zealand's National Agricultural Fieldays is held annually in June at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton, New Zealand, and attracts 1,000 exhibitors and over 115,000 visitors through its gates.[10] Smaller shows, held annually in New Zealand's towns and communities, are generally called agricultural and pastoral shows (A&P shows).

Agricultural shows and swine influenza

Background

Agricultural shows can be sources of swine influenza transmission in both animal and human populations. Swine influenza is a communicable disease caused by one of several different strains of influenza A virus. Currently, the subtypes of influenza A virus which have been identified in pig populations within the United States are referred to as H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2, all named for their specific genetic makeups.[11] These viruses are extremely common in pigs across various industries, including pig showmanship at agricultural fairs, and are easily passed between pigs when proper hygiene and safety measures are not carried out.

It is rare for the virus to spread to humans; however, genetic reassortment can lead to susceptibility among humans.[12] Due to direct contact with infected animals or a contaminated environment, swine influenza strains can be transmitted to human populations.[13] In cases such as the 2009 flu pandemic, the virus was transmitted from swine to humans and caused a global pandemic which led to the deaths of approximately 12,000 people in the United States alone.[14] For this reason, people who work or spend any time in close proximity with pigs are at risk for infection and must follow specific precautions to prevent the spread of swine influenza.

Swine influenza risk

Certain populations at agricultural fairs are at increased risk of developing serious complications after swine influenza exposure. For instance, pregnant women are more susceptible to swine influenza and have been shown to have increased rates of swine influenza mortality relative to the general population.[15] Similarly, adolescents, infants, and those with serious medical comorbid conditions have disproportionately high rates of mortality with swine influenza.[16] This is concerning as over 3.5 million children in the United States participate in youth agricultural programs every year.[17]

Agricultural fairs can readily lead to swine influenza infection in vulnerable populations because agricultural fairs are frequently visited by entire families, including children and pregnant women.[18]

Recent swine flu variant outbreaks in the United States

Swine influenza variant viruses have been responsible for several recent outbreaks in the United States associated with contact with pigs at agricultural fairs. The three main Influenza A viruses responsible for these outbreaks are variants of the Influenza A viruses H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2.

Recent swine influenza variant outbreaks associated with agriculture fairs in the United States:

  • 2009: global spread of H1N1, starting from the United States in April 2009. On 11 June 2009 the World Health Organization issued an imminent pandemic alert. At this time, 70 countries reported ongoing outbreaks, and over 1 million ongoing cases were documented in the United States alone. H1N1 is now a regularly occurring human influenza virus that continues to circulate seasonally and globally with the other influenza viruses.[19]
  • 2012: 306 confirmed cases identified of H3N2 in 10 different states. Over 80% of cases were found in Ohio and Indiana. Human-to-human transmission is thought to have caused 15 cases, but the rest all reported direct or indirect contact with swine, mostly at agricultural fairs.[20] (See image)
    Geographic distribution of influenza A (H3N2) cases (July–Sept 2012)
  • 2016: 18 confirmed cases in Ohio and Michigan between July and August 2016. All cases reported pig exposure at least one of seven agricultural fairs between the two states.[21]
  • 2017: 40 confirmed cases of H3N2 occurred in Maryland after swine exposure at one of three agricultural fairs. 35 of the cases occurred in people in the high-risk category for influenza complications.[22]

Preventing the spread of flu in people and pigs

In the United States, agricultural fairs are a significant exposure source for swine influenza.[23] Certain strains of swine influenza can be transmitted from pig to pig, pig to human, and human to human; swine influenza infection does not always show signs of illness.[24]

There are a variety of safety precautions that should be taken at agricultural fairs to prevent the spread of swine influenza. Vulnerable communities including children, people aged 65 years and older, pregnant women, and those suffering from long-term health conditions are groups who should avoid swine exposure due to their high-risk status.[25] The CDC specifically recommends that high-risk individuals with known medical complications avoid interaction with swine at agricultural fairs.[26] It is advised that anyone who develops flu symptoms after swine exposure at agricultural fairs contact their physician for appropriate medical consultation.

There are other recommended prevention strategies to reduce the spread of swine influenza at agricultural fairs. It is suggested that people do not bring food into pig areas, do not take any items such as toys, pacifiers or similar items near the pig areas, avoid close contact with any pigs, and wash hands before and after handling pigs.[27] Given the severity of the disease, it is prudent to adopt safety precautions to limit the spread of the swine flu.

List of agricultural shows

Asia

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia

South America

Argentina Argentina

Brazil Brazil

Oceania

New Zealand New Zealand

Australia Australia

Incomplete list of shows in Australia:[28]

North America

Canada Canada

Jamaica Jamaica

  • Denbigh Agricultural Show : The Denbigh Show is the oldest, largest and most dynamic agricultural show in the English-speaking Caribbean, and one of Jamaica's most iconic events, and was held for the first time in 1952. The Denbigh Show has achieved the name for the Caribbean's premier agricultural event, and epitomizes wholesome family entertainment and attracts over 80,000 patrons to the event annually.[29]

United States United States

Africa

South Africa South Africa

Kenya Kenya

  • Nairobi international trade fair - Nairobi

Europe

Norway Norway

France France

Spain Spain

  • F.I.M.A. International Fair of Agricultural Machinery - Zaragoza, Spain

Republic of Ireland Ireland

United Kingdom United Kingdom

See also

References

  1. ↑ Patrick Robertson (2011). Robertson's Book of Firsts: Who Did What for the First Time. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 9781608197385.
  2. ↑ "Collection - Agricultural shows on ASO - Australia's audio and visual heritage online". aso.gov.au.
  3. 1 2 "David Allen agricultural medals - National Museum of Australia". www.nma.gov.au.
  4. ↑ Ekarius, Carol (2008). Storey's Illustrated Breed Guide to Sheep, Goats, Cattle and Pigs. Storey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-60342-036-5.
  5. ↑ Ekarius, Carol (2007). Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds. Storey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-58017-667-5.
  6. ↑ "Wayback Machine" (PDF). 15 April 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  7. ↑ "Yellow-flowering alfalfa topic of June 26 field day". High Plains Midwest Ag Journal. Archived from the original on 21 June 2008. Retrieved 21 June 2008.
  8. ↑ Van Osdell, Mary Ann. "Pecan field day provides latest information". Delta Farm Press. Archived from the original on 5 August 2008. Retrieved 21 June 2008.
  9. ↑ Conacher, Arthur; Conacher, Jeanette (1995). Rural Land Degradation in Australia. South Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press Australia. p. 138. ISBN 0-19-553436-0.
  10. ↑ Fieldays Retrieved on 29 November 2008
  11. ↑ Swine influenza. The Merck Veterinary Manual. 2008. ISBN 978-1-4421-6742-1. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  12. ↑ Jilani, Talha N.; Jamil, Radia T.; Siddiqui, Abdul H. (2023), "H1N1 Influenza", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID 30020613, retrieved 11 January 2024
  13. ↑ Key Facts about Human Infections with Variant Viruses. (3 January 2019). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/keyfacts-
  14. ↑ "CDC Novel H1N1 Flu |CDC Estimates of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Cases, Hospitalizations and Deaths in the United States, April 2009 – January 16, 2010". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  15. ↑ Maternal and Infant Outcomes Among Severely Ill Pregnant and Postpartum Women with 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) – United States, April 2009–August 2010. (2011). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 60(35), 1193-1196.
  16. ↑ Louie, J., Acosta, Winter, Jean, Gavali, Schechter, . . . California Pandemic Working Group. (2009). Factors Associated With Death or Hospitalization Due to Pandemic 2009 Influenza A(H1N1) Infection in California. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 302(17), 1896-1902.
  17. ↑ Stewart, R.J., Rossow, J., Conover, J.T., et al. (2018). Do animal exhibitors support and follow recommendations to prevent transmission of variant influenza at agricultural fairs? A survey of animal exhibitor households after a variant influenza virus outbreak in Michigan. Zoonoses Public Health, 65(1), 195– 201. doi:10.1111/zph.12425
  18. ↑ Crum-Cianflone, N., Blair, P., Faix, D., Arnold, J., Echols, S., Sherman, S., . . . Hale, B. (2009). Clinical and Epidemiologic Characteristics of an Outbreak of Novel H1N1 (Swine Origin) Influenza A Virus among United States Military Beneficiaries. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 49(12), 1801-1810.
  19. ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2010). The 2009 H1N1 Pandemic: Summary Highlights, April 2009-April 2010. Retrieved on 25 October 2019 from https://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/cdcresponse.htm
  20. ↑ Jhung, M. A., Epperson, S., Biggerstaff, M., Allen, D., Balish, A., Barnes, N., … Finelli, L. (2013). Outbreak of variant influenza A (H3N2) virus in the United States. Clinical infectious diseases: an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 57(12), 1703–1712. doi:10.1093/cid/cit649
  21. ↑ Bowman, A. S., Walia, R. R., Nolting, J. M., Vincent, A. L., Killian, M., Zentkovich, M. M....Forshey, T. (2017). Influenza A(H3N2) Virus in Swine at Agricultural Fairs and Transmission to Humans, Michigan and Ohio, USA, 2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 23(9), 1551-1555. doi:10.3201/eid2309.170847.
  22. ↑ Duwell, M.M., Blythe, D., Radebaugh, M.W., et al. (2018). Influenza A(H3N2) Variant Virus Outbreak at Three Fairs – Maryland, 2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 67(42),1169–1173. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6742a1
  23. ↑ Bowman, A. S., Walia, R. R., Nolting, J. M., Vincent, A. L., Killian, M., Zentkovich, M....Forshey, T. (2017). Influenza A(H3N2) Virus in Swine at Agricultural Fairs and Transmission to Humans, Michigan and Ohio, USA, 2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 23(9),1551-1555. doi:10.3201/eid2309.170847
  24. ↑ National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians: Zoonotic Influenza, 2018.Retrieved from: http://nasphv.org/documentsCompendiaZoonoticInfluenza.html
  25. ↑ CDC People at High Risk for Flu Complications, August 27th 2018. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fabout%2Fdisease%2Fhigh_risk.htm
  26. ↑ First Variant Virus Infection of 2018 Linked to Pig Exposure at an Agricultural Fair in Indiana | CDC. (2019). Cdc.gov. Retrieved 26 October 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/news/variant-virus-2018.htm
  27. ↑ CDC Take Actions to Prevent the Spread of the Flu Between Pigs and People, July 24th 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/prevention.html
  28. ↑ "Shows". Archived from the original on 27 September 2015.
  29. ↑ Society, Jamaica Agricultural. "Denbigh Agricultural Industrial Food Show". jas.gov.jm.
  30. ↑ "Greatest show on turf opens gates". BBC News. 8 July 2008. Retrieved 17 July 2008.
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