Fairs and the Flu...Is There a Risk?

Fairs and the Flu…Is There a Risk? I’m Greg Martin with today’s Line On Agriculture.

This one comes from the file of something I wouldn’t have thought about. County fair season is coming to the northwest, and with it comes the normal biosecurity protocol designed to keep animals healthy. But this year, there's a twist, thanks to the recent outbreak of swine flu in humans. The swine flu pathogen has yet to be found in swine herds throughout the US even though people, including some in the northwest, have come down with the disease. Usually, animal exhibitors at fairs and shows try to make sure livestock don't infect other animals or people. It's a bit different this year, according to State Veterinarian Don Hansen of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

HANSEN:  We're cautioning them and fair managers to do the opposite, and that is protect the pigs from people who may be at the fair with the flu.

The current H1N1 virus can be transmitted from humans to pigs. That's why a six foot distance is recommended between spectators and pigs during fairs and shows.

HANSEN: Keeping the pigs, as much as we can, away from - a distance from people so visitors aren't allowed to pet the pigs or be in real close contact. That's the best protection.

Anyone with flu-like symptoms, from the public to the exhibitor, should stay away from the animals. Monitoring swine health is also important. Any animal with disease symptoms should be isolated right away. Despite the annual concerns over animal and human health, people should feel free to attend county fairs this summer. Making sure both people and animals are healthy before and during the event will ensure they are healthy afterwards. Hansen gives advice for people attending and working at fairs and livestock exhibitions.

HANSEN: Exhibitors- protect your pig and be cognizant of pigs showing signs of respiratory disease, and report it immediately. For fair goers- if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you may not want to come to the fair. If you do come to the fair, stay away from the animals.

Hansen says it is critical to take biosecurity measures to keep animals and people healthy during the fair season.

HANSEN: Biosecurity, if we do it right, protects our animals against diseases and we are always concerned about keeping them as disease free as we can.

That’s today’s Line On Agriculture. I’m Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.