Swine illness causes concern in Monroe County

MONROE COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - There may be a cause for concern to humans after several pigs at the Monroe County fair have come down with a mysterious illness. Other fair officials around Indiana have been alerted about the illness. That includes organizers at the Indiana state fair which starts in three days.

State health officials say until they figure out how the pigs got sick, they are keeping the general population of visitors at the Monroe County Fair from entering the swine barn.

"I think it started (Monday) night with the information coming in," said Monroe county fair board public information director David Smith. Smith said they don't want to call the illness swine flu, but they don't really know what's causing the illness. "Basically we are dealing with some hogs that are getting sick to be honest and those that are getting sick we are sending home," he said.

Because officials don't know what the illness is, they are taking precautions.

"We are trying to take an abundance of precaution. We are managing the access to our barns, encouraging folks to make sure they wash their hands before they eat," said Amy Thompson with the Purdue Extension.

Signs are even posted outside the swine barn warning visitors to stay away. The only people allowed inside are swine club members and their families.

"We are not sure exactly what's going on right now," said Kelli Lentz of Monroe County.
Lentz owns two pigs in the barn. She said she was told last night to keep a close eye on her hogs. "My pigs have been acting fine; I haven't noticed any kind of difference. They are eating and drinking," Lentz said.

Lentz said she's not too concerned about the illness or getting sick. "I would think if it was more, something we really needed to be concerned about, they would be keeping us away from them. That doesn't seem to be going on right now," she said.

Fair board officials said they will be monitoring the health of the remaining pigs in the barn. They said if they come down with a temperature of illness they will be sent home. At the Indiana state fair, officials are urging caution and going through various procedures to ensure safety.