UNIVERSITY PARK — Interested in becoming a swine health monitor for fairs and shows in Pennsylvania? Penn State Extension is offering an online course, the Pennsylvania Show and Fair Swine Health Monitor Training, to help individuals prepare to take on that role.

Swine health monitors act as the eyes and ears of a show or fair veterinarian. They are the first line of defense in preventing major disease outbreaks by recognizing symptoms of four common diseases for swine: classical swine fever, African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, and the bacterial infection Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, often referred to as Strep zoo.

The course will cover:

• Swine exhibition rules and regulations.

• Roles and responsibilities of a swine health monitor.

• Diseases affecting the swine industry.

Participants will learn how to safely inspect incoming swine, complete necessary forms and report concerns. The course includes readings, interactive materials and knowledge-check questions. A final quiz requires an 80% passing score, and completions are reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture within two weeks.

To become a swine health monitor, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have experience with swine, and be able to recognize abnormalities in appearance, health and behavior.

This course was developed in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

The registration fee is $15. More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/swinehealth2025.