How to curtail pig-to-person spread of influenza virus at fairs .

How to curtail pig-to-person spread of influenza virus at fairs. The spread of influenza among pigs is common at fairs and other gatherings, and protective measures including cutting the length of time pigs and people congregate make good sense for both the animals and humans. Researchers say that protective measures can cut risk of animal and human infections.The research appears in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, a publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although most of these infections caused mild, manageable illness, new flu viruses jumping from pigs to people raises the risk of a flu pandemic,but the good news is that there are ways to curtail the spread of disease without eliminating swine fairs totally. The H3N2 virus implicated in these pig-to-human transmissions didn't originate in swine. In fact, people passed the virus to the pigs. The ease with which viruses can pass between pigs and people and evolve into new, more concerning viruses illustrates the importance of continued monitoring of swine to detect viruses that can threaten animals and man. The human infections that arise from exposure at the fair are often in the exhibitors, because they have prolonged exposure to the animals. The measures to curb the spread of disease transmission include: 1)Vaccinating pigs against flu. 2)Designing the intake process for animals when they arrive at the fairgrounds so that they aren't all touching the same surfaces with their snouts. 3)Posting guidance for hand-washing and supplying hand sanitizer near animal exhibits. 4)Posting signs warning against eating and drinking around animal exhibits. 5) Encouraging those at higher risk of flu complications to forego visits to the animal fairs. People who fall into this category are babies, young children, adults over 65 and those with illnesses that weaken the immune system.