Animal exhibits at fair going on despite avian, swine flu warning

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is raising the alarm on the growing threats caused by avian flu and swine flu. The department has been working with farms across the state to mitigate the spread but is urging fairgrounds to take precautions as well.

On Thursday, the Evergreen State Fair kicked off in Monroe, with the theme “The Show Must Go On!” The fair features exhibitions and competitions on poultry and pigs, which is a break from the Department of Agriculture’s recommendation.

“Any type of virus, but especially avian influenza, it is just wildly contagious. And this happens to be sort of a good candidate for a superspreader-type event,” said Amber Betts with the State Department of Agriculture.

The department recommended that fairs across the state suspend all poultry events, and to avoid close contact between people and pigs. Betts tells KIRO 7 News that this is just a recommendation, not a mandate.

“I know a lot of people when we first put out the recommendation to suspend the fairs, people are like, ‘well, I can’t go to my fair?’ And that’s not what we’re saying. We’re saying maybe leave the chickens at home,” said Betts.

Already, Washington has seen more than 2,000 cases of avian flu in birds this year. Betts clarifies that avian flu is spread among birds. And that the greatest threat is within flocks, not people.

“We don’t really have ... high human health concerns with this particular virus. But it’s definitely something that will impact our poultry,” said Betts. However, she says the increased spread of the virus will impact humans at the grocery store, with prices expected to increase for eggs and poultry the longer the virus outbreak continues.

As for swine flu, the CDC identified in Oregon, the fourth case of a human contracting the virus.

Organizers with the Evergreen State Fair say they’ve taken additional precautions to keep fairgoers safe. Amy Craven, with the fair, tells KIRO 7 News that each of the animals has been inspected by a veterinarian before they are allowed into the exhibition centers. She says that in many cases, it is local kids bringing the animals into the fair through organizations like 4H and Future Farmers of America.

“These animals are very important for the kids,” said Craven. “They learn about farming and agriculture, they learn about taking care of these animals, so we want to make sure they’re safe when they come here.”

She adds that each exhibition hall displays signs about washing hands and sanitation practices when dealing with animals. She adds that contestants are aware of concerns about the influenza strain.

“Having the avian flu and keeping tabs on that — that’s another educational opportunity for them to learn to keep healthy and safe poultry,” said Craven.

Betts adds that while there is still a risk, they’re asking people to remain vigilant if they are handling farm animals.

“You want to make sure if you if you are handling eggs, or birds, [that you’re] washing your hands in between, and also wearing gloves,” said Betts. “The ability to spread this virus is very high, the risk, the level that it’s contagious is off the charts.”

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