FARM JOURNAL’S PORK: 6 Ways to Protect Pigs and People at the Fair

County fair season is here and for many, it’s one of their favorite times of the year. Whether it conjures up memories of cotton candy and ferris wheels or purple banners and livestock shows, the last thing you want is to get left out of the fun by a case of influenza.

Pigs may be infected with swine influenza viruses that are different from human flu viruses. Swine flu viruses spread among pigs and – while rare – they can also spread from pigs to people. Because of this, it’s important to take extra precaution to protect yourself and the pigs in the barn.

Influenza can be spread when infected pigs or people cough or sneeze. This can happen in a variety of settings, especially at fairs where pigs from many places come in close contact with each other and with people.

To protect those most likely to get infected and develop serious illness, CDC and 4-H national headquarters recommend exhibitors (and their friends or family) take the following actions to help prevent the spread of flu between pigs and people.

Continue reading at Farm Journal’s Pork…

Photo Credit: Pixabay