(RALEIGH) -- Big changes are on the way at the North Carolina State Fair, and they're all aimed at keeping visitors safe and healthy. Twenty-five people got sick from e-coli at last year's fair, and the illnesses were traced back to a livestock barn.

The new measures are aimed at reducing contact between people and animals, moving pedestrian traffic away from the barns, and relocating some food vendors. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says North Carolina's state fair is among the safest in the country.

"We believe that we go way beyond what other fairs across the country do," Troxler said. "We have seen that. And the other point is this is an effort to do everything that we can do to reassure the public that the state fair is a fun, safe outing."

Barriers will prevent visitors from getting too close to the livestock, but Troxler promises kids will still enjoy the experience.