H3N2 Virus Information

Due to the recent H3N2 virus being found at two fairs in Ohio, The Muskingum County Fair Board and Muskingum County Fair Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Elliott will be conducting an informational meeting on Sunday, August 12th, 11:45 am at the Swine Show Arena.  This will coincide with the yearly swine exhibitor meeting.

Ohio State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Foshey comments on the H3N2 virus in the news article below:

 The following precautions should be taken:
 No eating or drinking in the hog barn.
 Encourage everyone to wash their hands after visiting the hog barn.
 Two hand wash stations will be set-up outside the hog barn for the public’s use.

 

 

State veterinarian visits The Hartford Fair

Aug. 8, 2012  |  

Written by

L.B. Whyde

Advocate Reporter

 

CROTON -- Ohio State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey made a brief stop at the hog barn Tuesday at the Hartford Fair to talk about the H3N2 virus that recently was found at two other fairs.

Working with hogs for more than 30 years in five states, Forshey has been the state veterinarian in Ohio for the past seven years.

"The media has hyped up this situation," Forshey said. "This is common virus. There is no need to be panicked. It is due to the heat stress on the animals."

He said the H3N2 virus is not the same as swine flu and is milder than the seasonal flu. The H3N2 causes a mild flu in humans that lasts only 24 to 48 hours.

The 9-year-old girl who contracted the H3N2 at the Ohio State Fair had a weakened immune system because she contracted E. coli as a baby, Forshey said. She also had slept in the pen with her hog for five days.

"Unless you're kissing pigs, you are not going to get it," Forshey said. "Just use common sense. Wash your hands after being in the hog barn, and don't eat while in the barns."

At the Hartford Fair, hand sanitizer stations are available at each entrance and exit at the hog barn.

Field staff from Forshey's department are visiting every fair. Each fair also has a local veterinarian, approved by Forshey, who checks the livestock twice per day during fair week. If any issues are found, the veterinarians call Forshey.

lwhyde@newark advocate.com
740-328-3513
Twitter: LBWhyde