Fairs prepare for swine flu strain

RICHMOND, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island health officials have issued a warning for anyone attending the Washington County Fair after swine flu was detected in pigs in New England.

Anyone who handles the pigs is asked to be vigilant about washing their hands.

The H3N2 strain was detected in two pigs in Maine.

The pigs at the Washington County fair are receiving a lot of attention.

• Photos: Washington County Fair

The Rhode Island state veterinarian said the state periodically checks the animals throughout the course of fairs and none of them have shown any signs of illness.

The Centers for Disease Control confirmed at least a dozen cases of this new strain of swine flu, but the closest to New England was in Ohio.

The state veterinarian said "there's no reason to stay away from the fair" because all of the pigs have Rhode Island origins and he doesn't believe any have been exposed to the H3N2 strain.