Issues for Fair Organizers to Consider When Planning Fairs
The most recent recommendations for minimizing influenza transmission at swine exhibitions are available from the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials (NASAHO) and National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) at Measures to Minimize Influenza Transmission at Swine Exhibitions, 2018 [161 KB, 8 Pages].
Seasonal influenza A viruses spread among people, and swine influenza A viruses commonly infect pigs. While uncommon, influenza A viruses can sporadically spread between people and pigs. When a swine influenza A virus infects a person, it is termed a “variant virus” and indicated by adding “v” after the virus subtype [e.g., influenza A(H3N2)v virus]. Sporadic cases of variant influenza A virus infection can occur after direct or close exposure to pigs, including at agricultural fairs. People infected with variant influenza A viruses can have signs and symptoms similar to those caused by infection with seasonal influenza A viruses, including fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. During 2012, a large outbreak of variant influenza A virus infections was linked to swine exposure at agricultural fairs in the U.S. More than 300 cases of variant influenza A(H3N2)v virus infection were reported and most cases occurred in children and resulted in mild illness. However, 16 children were hospitalized, and one adult with multiple underlying medical conditions died.
Thousands of fairs and agricultural exhibitions take place across the United States each year, providing a venue for people to interact and show off their livestock, horticulture or agriculture projects. As you organize your local or state agricultural fair, you need to be aware of important information to help protect visitors and livestock. This information can help prevent illnesses associated with animals in public settings. During exhibition season, CDC monitors the occurrence of influenza caused by variant influenza A viruses. Some simple precautions can reduce the spread of variant influenza A viruses—these include:
- Visitors to fairs and exhibitions, particularly to the animal barns including pigs, should receive information about disease risks and recommendations to protect visitors and animals from illness.
- Whenever possible, facilities should minimize human-animal contact. For detailed information, refer to the following web page: NASPHV Animal Contact Compendium.
Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Viruses Between Pigs and People
The risk of infection and spread of influenza viruses, including variant influenza A viruses, can be reduced by taking simple steps. CDC recommends the following for fair organizers:
Facility Recommendations:
- People at higher risk of serious flu complications should be instructed not to have contact with pigs or to enter areas with pigs. (See At Higher Risk below for more information.)
- Post signs or otherwise notify visitors that, for health reasons, they should never eat or drink in animal areas and to wash their hands after leaving such an area.
- 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. (If possible, establish storage or holding areas for strollers and related items.)
- 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.
- Parents and children should be instructed to wash their hands after touching pigs or material contaminated by pigs. Instruct visitors that if children’s hands become soiled, supervised hand washing should occur immediately.
- Control visitor traffic to prevent overcrowding.
- Hand out educational materials on how to prevent the spread of flu between people and pigs at registration.
- Provide accessible hand-washing stations for all visitors, including children and persons with disabilities.
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 nose and/or eyes, lethargy (sleepiness), no appetite, fever, or sometimes coughing. 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.
At Higher Risk:
- Children younger than 5 years, people 65 years and 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 higher risk from serious complications if they get influenza. These people should avoid exposure to pigs and swine barns during this fair season.
For More Information
Telephone: 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)/TTY: 1-888-232-63548
Contact: Contact CDC-INFO
Web: National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians
Web: United States Animal Health Association
NASPHV Animal Contact Compendium
Measures to Minimize Influenza Transmission at Swine Exhibitions June 2018 [161 KB, 8 pages]
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service