Fair & Show 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. 

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​

Inspections & Certification Forms

All exhibitors must inspect their animal(s) for signs of contagious or infectious disease before coming to a show in the state of Maryland. This includes out of state exhibitors. A "Self Certification of Animal Health" must be completed prior to loading animals for exhibition.

•   Equine Self Certification Form​ - PDF - 89.65 KB
•   Livestock Self Certification Form​ - PDF - 81.25 KB
•   Poultry Exhibitor Self Certification - PDF - 130.22 KB 
•   Rabbit Exhibitor Self Certification - PDF - 102.69 KB
•   VCPR Verification Form - PDF - 141.69 KB ​

Resources for Fair/Show Staff​​​​​

• ​Biosecurity Guidelines​ 
• Notification of Livestock 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
• Equine
  • Equine Event Form - PDF - 133.87 KB
  • Equine Event Denied Entry Report - PDF - 93.27 KB

Where to send paperwork

All required paperwork associated with fairs and shows, including Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs), 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]

Self-Certification Forms do not need to be submitted to the Animal Health Office. Self-Certifications must travel with the animal/exhibitor and be available at the fair or show.

Additional resources & information  

• ​2025 MAFB After Activity Report​

​​​​​Fairs & shows 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