Fair, Show and Exhibition Requirements

News & Updates 

2026 Animal Health requirements for Fairs and Shows​​​​​​​​ - PDF - 419.88 KB

Requirements for Exhibitors

The Maryland Department of Agriculture's (MDA), Animal Health Program strives to safeguard Maryland's animal industries at our fairs and shows. 

MDA has set forth requirements for exhibitors to follow at Maryland Fairs and Shows. All exhibitors and fair/show staff involved with livestock and poultry are responsible for reviewing and following MDA fair and show regulations before attending and participating in an event.

As an exhibitor you can help reduce the potential risk of introduction and spread of infectious and/or contagious diseases by following species-specific health requirements.

• 2026 Animal Health Requirements for Fairs and Shows​​​​​​​​ - PDF - 419.88 KB
• Cattle and Swine RFID Tag Requirements
• VCPR- Equine ONLY​ - PDF - 141.69 KB

All exhibitors are responsible for ensuring their animals are healthy before arriving and during a show in Maryland. 

• Owners must visually examine their animals within 24 hours of the event and must not exhibit animals showing signs of illness or with known exposure to a contagious or infectious disease within the past 21 days.

• Exhibitors must observe their animals daily at the event for any signs of illness. If your animal becomes ill, you must report it directly to the livestock or poultry superintendent or other person in charge. Their decisions regarding the animal's participation are final.

• If an animal is suspected or confirmed to have a disease, MDA Animal Health will communicate with the owner and veterinarian of record. If other animals have been exposed, they may be subject to quarantine and removal from the event. This decision is at the discretion of the MDA Animal Health staff.

• By registering for a show/exhibition or an event: the owner acknowledges they are exhibiting healthy animals and they accept the risk of exposure to contagious or infectious diseases at the event.

  Exhibitor Forms

  • Equine
    • All equines traveling intrastate must have one of the following: CVI, EECVI or VCPR
      • VCPR Verification Form - PDF - 141.69 KB 
        • A Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) form is an official document that shows there is an established relationship between an animal owner and their veterinarian. This form may be used to meet Maryland's intrastate equine travel requirements.
      • An Extended Equine Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (EECVI) is valid for six months from the date of veterinarian inspection.
      • A CVI is valid for 60 days from date of veterinarian inspection. 
    • All equines traveling interstate must have a valid CVI issued within 30 days of travel.

Resources for Fair/Show Staff​​​​​

• ​Biosecurity Guidelines​ 
• Notification of Livestock & Equine Exhibition - PDF - 128.49 KB
• ​​​​​Responsible Person Acknowledgement Form - PDF - 122.93 KB
• After Action Report​ - PDF - 83.49 KB
• Animal Health Incident Report​​​ - PDF - 99.8 KB

Where to Send Paperwork

All required paperwork associated with fairs and shows, including Notification of Livestock Exhibition, Responsible Person Acknowledgement Form, After Action Report, Animal Health Incident Report, and applicable equine event forms, must be submitted to the Animal Health Office in Annapolis.

Email completed forms to: [email protected] 

Additional Resources & Information  

• ​MAFB Grant Application 

​​​​​2026 Fair & Show Schedule

• Maryland Agricultural Fairs & Shows

Questions?

​If you have any questions or are unsure of any of these animal health requirements for Maryland fairs and shows, please contact:

Animal Health Program 

Phone: 410-841-5810

Email: [email protected] 

50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401