MONROE, Wash. -- The Canadian government is warning people to stay away from pigs after a new strain of the swine flu erupts in the U.S. following contact with the animals at fairgrounds and petting zoos.
There have been no known cases in Washington of this strain, known as H3N2. But Health Canada is advising families to stay away from hand to hog contact.
Citing the fact that more than 200 people in the U.S. have been sickened by the swine flu virus, most in Ohio and Indiana, a B.C. fair has already limited direct contact.
But at the Evergreen State Fair, which opened Thursday, there aren't any changes related to the outbreak.
"I don't think it needs to be that kind of extreme," said Hal Gausman, Evergreen State Fair Director.
Gausman says the barn is getting daily inspections by the Snohomish County Health District, veternarians are nearby and soap and sinks are also on site.
Kerry Richter forced her son to use hand sanitizer. But that hasn't stopped her family from partaking in the family tradition of visiting the swine barn.
The CDC says it's very important to wash your hands around pigs and don't eat food or drink while in the presence of pigs.
