Three fair champions test positive - officials decline comment on details

Kevin Lynch, Wooster Daily Record
Updated ·2 min read

Editor's note: This story has been updated with information from the Ohio Department of Agriculture communication director.

A trio of champions from the Wayne County Fair are being investigated after testing positive for an illegal substance.

A standard testing procedure of all animals at the fair revealed that a champion steer, hog and sheep at the Wayne County Fair tested positive for an illegal substance. No specific information was available from the governing bodies involved.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) confirmed three champions from the Wayne County Fair tested positive for substances defined in Ohio Administrative Code 901.19.01 (NN).

That code defines the "Tolerance level" as the detectable level of a residue or other substance in livestock, in a livestock test sample, or in food, as that word is defined in division (A)(2) of section 3715.01 of the Revised Code, in a level less than or equal to the maximum level determined to be safe, acceptable or non-violative by the United States food and drug administration.

The swine and beef sales brought a large crowd of buyers to the Wayne County Fair
The swine and beef sales brought a large crowd of buyers to the Wayne County Fair

There have been other positives in the state, according to ODA Communication Director Meghan Harshbarger.

"As these incidents are still under investigation, ODA has no further comment," Harshbarger said.

A spokesman for the Wayne County Senior Fair Board added the animals are under investigation with the ODA, and that is all the information they have.

Wayne County Junior Fair Superintendent Diane Johnson had no comment.

Procedure for grand, reserve champions

Harshbarger explained fair veterinarians collect a urine sample for every grand and reserve market champion.

Wayne County Fair veterinarian Dr. Richard Mairs said he took a urine sample from every grand and reserve market champion and submitted it to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

ODA will open investigations into each case. The results of the investigations will determine the next steps. ODA also encourages the Fair Board to look into the incidents.

Potnetial penalties

The potential disciplinary actions for violations of a provision of sections 901.70 to 901.76 of the Revised Code or any provision of this chapter is subject to any of the following disciplinary actions:

(1) Disqualification from any exhibition;

(2) Disqualification of the exhibition livestock from any exhibition;

(3) Continuing education;

(4) Written letter of reprimand;

(5) Forfeiture or return of awards, prizes, premiums, or proceeds; or

(6) Pre-exhibition drug testing.

(B) Disqualification may include any or all shows and classes and may be for any number of years.

(C) Anyone who violates rule 901-19-07 of the Administrative Code may be given a letter of reprimand for the first offense.

Harshbarger reiterated, "We cannot provide any additional information at this time due to the ongoing investigation."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Three fair champions test positive - officials silent on details