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Organizers trying to protect state fair from swine flu

August 10, 2012|By: Karl Man | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan) — More than 100 cases of swine flu have been reported across the nation in the past week.

With many state fairs going on some people are being warned to be careful when they are around pigs.

With that, in one month the Kansas State Fair will be in full swing ushering in hundreds of thousands of people from all over Kansas.

Before all the finishing touches are made...organizers are having to deal with the growing concern over swine flu.

It’s on the rise nationally and you can get very sick from it.

"Go visit the animals but wash your hands after you have done so”, says organizer Denny Stoecklein.

You may see extra stations to wash your hands set up this year at the fairgrounds as a precaution. 

Officials say touching any pigs is something fair-goers need to really think about before they do it.

Greg Thompson is a Hutchinson-area swine producer...he says each time he comes to the fair it's all about common sense.

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"You need to have good hygiene when you’re around the pigs".

He adds all pigs that are shown at the state fair are vaccinated...sometimes twice...for swine flu. The area where the pigs are shown is well ventilated to stop the spread of the disease.

Some fairs across the nation have signs up telling people they can look but they cannot touch the pigs. Representatives with the Kansas state fair say it's too early to determine if they will take similar actions
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