Changes for Health at State Fair

Visitors to livestock shows at the 2012 N.C. State Fair will see changes in pedestrian and animal traffic patterns that are designed to further minimize health risks.  The measures were recommended by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler after 25 visitors to the 2011 fair were sickened by E. coli.  The State Fair Study Commission recommended changes aimed at keeping people and competition livestock separated as much as is practical without prohibiting people from seeing animals. In addition, food vendors are being relocated, instructional signs at animal exhibits will be larger, and hand-washing stations will have nighttime lighting and more signs to increase visibility. The fair is investing an estimated $206,000 in these changes and related projects. The money will come from State Fair revenues.  Wake County Community Health Director Sue Lynn Ledford, a member of the study commission, said State Fair visitors can help themselves stay healthy by:  Leaving strollers outside buildings containing animals, Following instructions on signs indicating animals that should not be touched, Using the hand-washing stations throughout the fairgrounds, and Helping children wash their hands.  The 2012 N.C. State Fair is scheduled for Oct. 11-21 at the State Fairgrounds.  More than 1 million people attended the fair last year.