County fairs work to prevent disease

URBANA, Ohio (WDTN) - The Champaign County Fair doesn't start until Friday, but competitors are already bringing their animals to the fairgrounds to prepare for competition.

The fair board has a job to do, too. It wants to make sure what happened in Butler County doesn't happen at its fair.

Ten possible cases of swine flu at the Butler County Fair has the board not taking any chances.

Signs are already posted to try and prevent the spread of disease.

"At all the buildings, all the livestock buildings, we're putting up sanitation stations at all the entrances. We're putting up signs to frequently wash their hands," said Tom Tullis, Champaign County Fair Board Vice President.

3,800 animals will be at the Champaign County Fair including more than 800 pigs.

There will also be a veterinarian on hand who checks on the animals everyday. "If there's any concern or question about the health of an animal, he takes care of it."

The Champaign County Health Commissioner says any concerns will be taken seriously.

"Certainly if there are any issues, those animals will be removed immediately," said Shelia Hiddleson, Champaign County Health Commissioner.

All 4-H members have been alerted to watch their animals closely.

Emily Ober who is showing three pigs, is doing her part to take precautions as well.

"I give them fresh water. I feed them with a water bucket for the garden, I usually don't let them have like spouts. I think it's easier for them. I always have hand sanitizer in my show box so I try to keep clean that way I'm not eating," said Ober.

She has some advice for fair-goers. "Just try to remember hand sanitizer and be clean. If you touch them, try to wash your hands and not eat."

The fair has never had any problems with the swine flu in the past.

"The last three years, the state veterinarian has sent students over to randomly test hogs every year and they've never found a bit of trouble at the Champaign County Fair," said Tullis.

They don't anticipate any issues this year. The Champaign County Fair kicks off on Friday and runs through August 10th.