Swine flu found in pigs at Monroe County Fair

Monroe County Fair officials broke the news to 4-Hers and their families Tuesday, July 31.  Vets have been checking the health of every pig at this year's fair.  Some pigs are being sent home after showing signs of the Swine Flu.

The threat of Swine Flu has spread to this year's Monroe County Fair.

"Some children have become ill after visiting the fair." said Amy Thompson with Purdue Extension.  "But at this point, those illnesses can not be tied to the hog issue."

Hundreds of people once again packed the midway.  As a precaution, there was one place the public could not be, up close with the pigs in the swine barn.

"Some hogs are leaving now, we are screening hogs, checking their temperatures to see if they are in line with the protocols that the Indiana Board of Animal Health has given us as guidance," said Thompson.

There were four confirmed cases of Swine Flu at this year's La Porte County Fair.  There have been unconfirmed cases in: Hendricks, Jackson and now Monroe Counties.

Dana Ooley's daughter showed pigs this year.  He said the threat of Swine Flu put a damper on this year's fair for the entire family.

"It is a let-down," said Dana Ooley.

Ooley said the real impact will be felt when it comes time to auction off the animal.  He said many 4-Hers use the auction money they make to pay for next year's project.

"The auction is going to be hurt, so the project next year may or may not happen because of the sale," said Ooley.  "It is a tough deal for the families involved."

But will there even be an auction if sick pigs are being removed from the grounds?  4-Hers, Katherine Ramage said she and others have taken pictures with their pigs, to possibly give to potential bidders.

"So I guess we are going to walk in with that and say, 'this is our pig, who wants to bid on it?'  But then again, we may be taking our pigs in and selling them…it depends on who's pig is sick, and who's pig is not," said 4-Her Katherine Ramage.