Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
Windowing Chicken Eggs for Developmental Studies
Published on: October 1, 2007
The Trojan Chicken study, Minnesota
Sandra R Olson1, Gregory C Gray
1University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. olson@episense.wisc.edu
Abstract:
We conducted a study in the summer of 2004 at county fairs in the Midwest to investigate the role poultry exhibits have in spreading avian pathogens to humans. A nearly invisible powder (pathogen surrogate) that fluoresces under UV light was surreptitiously sprinkled each day on 1 show bird at each of 2 fairs. A UV light box was used to daily examine the hands of 94 poultry-exhibit participants (blinded regarding UV box results) for up to 4 days during the poultry shows. Enrollment and end-of-study questionnaires collected data on pathogen risk factors. Eight (8.5%) of 94 participants had evidence of fluorescent powder contamination (95% confidence interval 2.76%-14.26%). This contamination and infrequent handwashing practices suggest that county fairs are a possible venue for animal-to-human pathogen transmission.
Insights
County fairs may spread avian pathogens to humans. A study found 8.5% of poultry exhibit visitors had contamination, highlighting risks at public animal events.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health
- Zoonotic Disease Research
Background:
- Poultry exhibits at county fairs are popular attractions.
- The potential for animal-to-human pathogen transmission at such events is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of poultry exhibits in spreading avian pathogens to humans.
- To assess the risk of pathogen transmission during county fair visits.
Main Methods:
- A pathogen surrogate powder was applied to show birds daily at two Midwest county fairs.
- Researchers used UV light boxes to examine the hands of 94 poultry exhibit participants over four days.
- Questionnaires collected data on participant demographics and handwashing practices.
Main Results:
- Eight out of 94 participants (8.5%) showed evidence of fluorescent powder contamination on their hands.
- Contamination was detected across multiple days of the study.
- Infrequent handwashing was reported by a significant portion of participants.
Conclusions:
- County fairs can serve as a venue for animal-to-human pathogen transmission.
- Poultry exhibits pose a potential risk for disease spread due to direct contact and hygiene practices.
- Public health interventions focusing on hand hygiene are recommended for attendees of animal exhibits.
