Animal health is a priority at the AgroPonte Fair and guarantees safety for visitors and exhibitors

Team of veterinarians, specific protocols for each species and supervision by Cidasc guarantee safety throughout the fair

More of 300 animals must participate in the 15th edition of AgroPonte, what happens to 12 a 16 of August, at the José Ijair Conti Pavilion, in Criciúma. will be 15 cattle breeds on display, six breeds of horses, in addition to dairy cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, stingless bees and traditional Fazendinha animals.

Before they even arrive at the fair, although, They all go through a series of sanitary and documentary requirements. The objective is to guarantee the health of animals, the safety of exhibitors and the tranquility of the thousands of visitors who pass through the event.

According to the veterinarian and technical manager at AgroPonte, Diego Heinzen, work begins weeks before the opening of the fair and continues throughout the exhibition days, always accompanied by the Santa Catarina Integrated Agricultural Development Company (Citizens).

“The legislation serves as a roadmap for us, but we insist on going beyond what it requires. Cidasc inspection has always been very welcome. The more she follows the event, better for everyone. Our commitment is to ensure a safe fair for animals, for exhibitors and the public”, highlights.

Animal entry takes place before the fair opens

One of the main measures adopted by the organization is to prevent the arrival of animals during the movement of visitors.. All reception takes place from 48 hours before the official opening of AgroPonte.

Like this, the animals are sent to the pens without any contact with the public. “This is a concern we have always had. The animals arrive before the fair opens precisely to avoid any movement among visitors.. It’s a matter of safety for everyone”, explains Heinzen.

In addition to the arrival schedule, Each stall undergoes a complete inspection before receiving the animals. Structures, locks and containment systems are checked to reduce any possibility of escape or accidents.

Each species has its own requirements

No animal enters AgroPonte just because it was registered. Each species has specific rules, determined by health defense bodies, including presentation of the Animal Transit Guide (GTA), laboratory tests, veterinary certificates and proof of vaccination.

We bovines, for example, negative tests for brucellosis and tuberculosis are required, in addition to the absence of ticks and papillomas. Horses must be vaccinated against influenza, while other species have their own protocols. “Each animal must prove its health condition before participating in the fair. All this documentation is checked upon entry and we also do a physical examination, “animal by animal”, evaluates the technical manager.

Animals prepared to participate in exhibitions

Another care begins on the properties. Animals that participate in the AgroPonte Fair go through an adaptation period before traveling, being accustomed to handling, presence of people, movement and environments similar to those found during exhibitions. “Animals are prepared to participate in events. They go through an acclimatization process while still on the properties so that they remain calm during the fair”, reinforces Heinzen.

Monitoring is permanent

The team's monitoring of the animals continues throughout the fair. If any animal presents any clinical changes, it becomes a priority for the veterinary team, who works together with the owner to define the best route.

According to Heinzen, Such situations are quite rare. “We had very few incidents throughout the editions of AgroPonte. When an illness occurs, the animal receives immediate care and the entire situation is communicated to Cidasc, affirms.

In addition to AgroPonte's own technical team,, Cidasc follows the entire fair. The body monitors documentation, animal welfare, structure of the facilities and compliance with the health standards provided for agricultural events.

If any animal presents any changes during reception, he is not allowed to enter the exhibition. “If the animal is not in the sanitary or behavioral conditions to participate, he just doesn't come in. Our role is to protect all other animals and ensure the safety of the event.”, reinforces the veterinarian.

To guarantee this work, the AgroPonte Fair has a team made up of veterinarians, support professionals, students and property security, who act 24 hours throughout the fair period.

Text: Amanda Garcia Ludwig | Track Communication