Advice to Keep the Public Healthy While Visiting Agricultural Fairs ā€“
Measures to Minimize Influenza Transmission at Swine Exhibitions

August 2017

Pigs can be infected with human, swine and avian origin influenza A viruses. While rare, influenza A viruses can spread from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Transmission usually requires close contact between pigs and people, which can happen at livestock exhibitions and shows.

When people are infected with swine origin influenza A viruses, it is termed as a variant virus infection and denoted with a ā€œvā€ after the subtype (e.g. H3N2v). In the past several years, cases of influenza A H1N1v, H1N2v and H3N2v have been associated with swine exhibitions. In July 2017, eleven cases of H3N2v and one case of H1N2v, all with reported exposure to swine in a fair setting, were reported from Ohio. Since December 2005, 384 human cases infected with H3N2v were reported from 19 states.

While no cases have been reported at this time in New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) wants to remind everyone of the steps they can take to enjoy their local agricultural fair while remaining healthy.

Fair Attendees

Visitors to fairs and exhibitions, particularly to the animal barns including pigs, should review CDC information about disease risks and how to stay healthy when visiting and exhibiting at the fairs.
Visitors to fairs and exhibitions should be sure to inform your health care provider that you have had contact with animals if you develop illness within a week or two after the animal contact.
Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Between Pigs and People