The IAFE, working with Dr. Stephen Neel of Technical Solutions International, developed the Consumer Protection Program workshop to help fairs understand enteric pathogens such as E. Coli and to provide information on controlling traffic flow in all animal areas (not just petting zoos), creating proper signage, installing hand-wash areas, and establishing specific cleaning protocols.
The workshop follows this format:
Part 1 Introduction to enteric pathogens: what they are, the impact to fairs, what’s at stake
Part 2 Understanding enteric pathogens: some microbiology!
Part 3 Analyzing facilities: Using a sample barn layout to diagram the flow of visitors and animals/exhibitors to visualize the critical intersections requiring interventions for risk management.
Part 4 Improving Operational Procedures: signage, handwashing, waste management, etc.
Part 5 Site evaluation exercises
Part 6 Record-keeping
Part 7 Creating the Consumer Protection Plan All attendees from each organization will be required to sign up for a one-on-one with Dr. Neel to examine their own facilities and work on ideas/plans. These are conducted, virtually, following the course.
Each attendee will receive resources with the details from the PowerPoint presentation, templates, and tools to return home and develop the best plan for their fair. The IAFE provides certificates of training to each attendee who completes all components of the CPP course. OFA hosts lunch and the Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center is sponsoring the location.
A minimum of 20 registrants is needed for the class to be held. Deadline for registration is March 20th.
This workshop is also a "makeup/extra credit" session for Fairgrounds College and can be used for graduation/salutatorian/valedictorian requirements. A fairgrounds college session will also be held Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 at the Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center.
