A case of H3N2 Swine Flu has been lab confirmed in one hog at the Clinton County Fair. There are no human cases at this time. The Clinton County Fair Board is working with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Clinton County Agricultural Society along with local and state health officials to stop further spread of this virus in the animal population. By Friday morning, July 14, 2017, all swine will have been removed from the Clinton County Fairgrounds.
“July 12, a pig at the Clinton County fair tested positive for H3N2, a zoonotic disease that can be transferred between animals and humans,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Spokesman Mark Bruce. “July 13th, additional animals in the barn showed clinical signs of illness and out of an abundance of caution to the general public and Ohio’s livestock population, ODA placed a quarantine on the hog barn. Only exhibitors and their parents were allowed into the building.”
Swine Flu, like any flu virus can be spread, although rare, from pigs to people. Spread of swine flu viruses from pigs to people is thought to happen the same way that human flu viruses are spread, mainly through droplets when infected pigs cough or sneeze.
“If you have been in contact with swine and are experiencing signs and symptoms of flu-like illness, please consult your medical provider,” said Dr. Terry Holten, Clinton County Health District Medical Director. “Especially if you are high risk which includes children under 5 years, those with long term health conditions, like asthma and other lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, as well as pregnant women and people 65 years and older.”
The Clinton County Fair remains open to the public. As with any pet or livestock contact, visitors should continue to wash their hands after petting animals and before eating. Sanitizing stations are available throughout the Clinton County Fairgrounds.
The swine show was deemed a terminal show, meaning all animals will now be sent to a slaughter facility and not be allowed to return to their home farm, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
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“As with any pet or livestock contact, visitors should continue to wash their hands after petting animals and before eating. Sanitizing stations are available throughout the Clinton County Fairgrounds.” Is the sanitizing station an actual sink with soap or just an anti-bac dispenser which leaves the immune ones behind on your skin.