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Extra precautions continue at Indiana State Fair

Recently the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) received reports that an increased number of pigs were showing signs of illness after being exhibited at pig shows. 

BOAH public information director Denise Derrer says that prompted extra precautions at this year’s Indiana State Fair.  She says over 2,000 pigs were checked and no pigs at the time of check-in had a fever over 104 degrees (a normal temperature can range from 100 to 104 degrees).

Even though no pigs were exhibiting signs of illness at check-in – people should still remember good biosecurity practices.  “If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, don’t go around your animals, have someone else do your feeding and watering if you possibly can,” she says.  “It is possible to pass illnesses from people to your pigs.”

In addition – Derrer tells Brownfield – exhibitors also should be cautious when sharing equipment.  “Make sure you aren’t sharing your equipment without cleaning and disinfecting it first (like hoses, buckets, and similar items at the fair),” she says.  “Also, make sure when you get home you wash and disinfect all of your equipment, including your shoes and your boots.”

She says there are also good human practices that people should keep in mind as well.  “Don’t eat in the barn and make sure to wash your hands after handling your animals before you eat as well.”

Derrer reminds exhibitors and visitors that common sense practices will keep both humans and hogs safe.  She says BOAH will continue to monitor the swine barns for signs of illness.