"2012 Variant Flu"
For Animal Venue Operators

We are monitoring the occurrence of influenza caused by a specific H3N2 influenza virus that has been found in both people and pigs. Currently, transmission of this virus in other states is occurring primarily from pigs to people. Some simple precautions are effective in reducing the spread of the virus.

  • Prevent Disease Posters for Animal Venues
    MDH posters to prevent disease spread at events involving animals.

    • Everyone should be instructed to wash their hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals. Instruct visitors that if children’s hands become soiled, supervised hand washing should occur immediately.
    • Instruct visitors not to eat, drink, smoke, place their hands in their mouth, or use bottles or pacifiers while in areas with pigs.
    • Instruct visitors not to carry toys, pacifiers, spill-proof cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into areas with pigs.
    • Instruct visitors to supervise children closely to discourage hand-to-mouth activities (e.g., nail-biting and thumb-sucking), and contact with soiled bedding. Children should not be allowed to sit or play on the ground in animal areas.
  • Provide accessible hand-washing stations for all visitors, including children and persons with disabilities.

  • Children younger than 5 years, people 65 years or older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions) are at high risk from serious complications if they get influenza. These people should avoid exposure to pigs and swine barns during this fair season, especially if sick pigs have been identified.

Animal Area Recommendations:

  • Provide adequate ventilation both for animals and humans.

  • Store animal feeders and watering equipment, shovels and pitchforks in designated areas that are restricted from public access. Avoid transporting soiled bedding through non-animal areas or transition areas. If this is unavoidable, take precautions to prevent spillage.

  • Where feasible, disinfect animal areas (e.g., flooring and railings) at least once daily.

Animal Health Recommendations:

  • Monitor animals daily for signs of illness, including discharge from the nose and/or eyes, lethargy (sleepiness), fever, coughing, or no appetite. Ensure that a veterinarian, such as the fair vet or state vet, is notified of any ill animals.

  • Ill pigs, animals suspected or known to be infected with influenza viruses, and animals from herds with a recent history of respiratory disease should not be exhibited. They should be immediately isolated or sent home.

  • Avoid contact with pigs if you are experiencing influenza-like symptoms. Avoid contact for 7 days after symptoms begin or until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer.

  • Take appropriate protective measures if you must come into contact with pigs if you are experiencing influenza-like symptoms, or if you must be in the vicinity of pigs known or suspected to be infected with influenza viruses.
    • Protective measures include wearing protective clothing, gloves, masks that cover your mouth and nose, and other personal protective equipment.

Guidance and Recommendations

Updated Thursday, 18-Apr-2013 10:00:02 CDT