Last week news broke of H3N2, otherwise known as Swine Flu, found at the Clinton County Fair. The fair board, county staff, volunteers and participants worked effectively to help stop the spread of the flu. All swine projects were removed from the fair by Friday July 14, 2017. Following last week's announcement, we have seen and heard different things regarding swine flu.
So let’s get the facts straight about Swine Flu:
Swine flu is a common problem throughout fair season. During this time of year, pigs become susceptible to many strains of the flu. For that reason, it is important that fair goers, organizers and participants take the proper approach to help prevent the spread of the flu.
Seek Knowledge
Now is the time to start reading up and asking your fair what the protocol will be for reporting and preventing swine flu. This way you are properly equipped with the knowledge and protocol to prevent the spread of the flu if found.
If you have not already established a VCPR (Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship) now is the time to do so. Having a veterinarian can help you implement proper health practices at home for your swine projects. They can also help you better understand what to look for in a sick pig.
Before even heading to the fair, it is important to take time to understand what swine flu is and what the common symptoms are. Common symptoms of swine flu are fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, inactivity, high respiration or heart rate, sneezing, coughing or barking. If you notice your pig displaying symptoms, isolate your pig for seven days and contact your veterinarian for assistance. Most importantly, it is key to understand that sick pigs must be kept at home instead of taking them to the fair. This will help prevent other pigs from being infected.
Keep It Clean
Before packing up and heading to the fair take time to disinfect your equipment. This includes washing pig panels, gates, scales, feed pans and water systems. While at the fair continue to clean out your animal’s water and feed pans after each feeding. It’s also important to keep your pig’s pen clean and freshly bedded.
Fair Time
During the fair it is just as important to take precautions just as it is as at home. The week of the fair your pig is exposed to more stress which will make them more susceptible to sickness. While at the fair properly mark your items with a permanent marker so other people do not use it for their projects. This will prevent you from sharing tack with others.
If your pig begins to show symptoms of the flu contact your fairs veterinary immediately. This way your pig can be evaluated as soon as possible. If a pig is deemed infected, follow the protocol your fair has in place to prevent the spread of the sickness. Limit the number of people exposed to the animal and frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Post Fair
If you are returning home with pigs from the show, isolate those pigs for at least seven days. Take time to clean and disinfect your equipment that you took to the fair. This includes the clothes and shoes you wore and the car you drove.
For those visiting the fair:
If you are planning a trip to the fair it is important to take precautions to prevent illness in humans and the spread of the flu.
First and foremost, if you are displaying flu like symptoms prior to attending the fair, stay home. Those who are at most risk are those younger than five and those older than 65 years of age. However, pregnant women and those with long-term illnesses are also at risk.
Remember not to take food or drinks into areas that have swine and don’t eat or drink in those areas. Keep items like toys and pacifiers out of the areas that contain swine. Avoid contact with swine that exhibit symptoms of the flu. Wash your hands frequently before and after being in contact with the pig barn.
Being proactive, informed and aware can help prevent the spread of swine flu and can keep you on track to have a smooth and successful fair week.
All of us here at Paul Hall & Associates wish everyone a safe and healthy fair season and look forward to seeing you all out and about!