POINT PLEASANT, West Virginia -
There are 30 cases of swine flu in Ohio. Four of those are in Gallia County.
According to a news release from the Gallia County General Health District, all individuals had direct contact with swine at fairs.
Across the river in Mason County, the fair is in full swing, and the cases of swine flu in Gallia County have fair organizers concerned.
Caroline Thompson of Mason County has been raising hogs for several years. Hers is one of 92 at the Mason County Fair.
"We're taking the right precautions. We're making sure everyone keeps their hands clean. They don't touch the animals. You touch your own animal," said Thompson.
The purpose of the precautions is the keep her hog free of swine flu. Fair President Benny Hoffman said a veterinarian checked all hogs and says the animals show no signs of the disease.
"It's kind of overwhelming that we have to deal with this and all the precautions we are going to have to take and worried about how it is going to effect our attendance," said Hoffman.
The impact on attendance has been at the hog barn. New rules have been put in place and hand-washing stations are at the entrances of the hog barn for people who have gone inside. For those reasons organizers say the number of people interested in seeing the hogs is down.
"Yes it is disappointing because you are used to seeing a whole bunch of people go through and look at the pigs and now they are kind of scared and iffy about it," said Thompson.
The Livestock Auction at the fair is Friday afternoon. Organizers believe the swine flu scare will have little if any impact on sales.
Dr. Gerald Vallee, Gallia County health commissioner, said it is safe to attend fairs. He advises follow precautions like washing hands after being around animals and do not consume food or drink around animals.
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