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Swine flu confirmed in Ingham County pig

Swine flu confirmed in Ingham County pig
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We now know the type of influenza strain found in a pig at the Ingham County Fair in Mason.

The Department of Agriculture confirms the pig has tested positive for Influenza A (H3N2).

The pig died suddenly on August 4 at the fairgrounds but the Department of Agriculture is unsure if the pig died from swine flu.

By the next day multiple animal exhibit's were closed at the Ingham County Fairgrounds as a precautionary measure.

H3N2 is the same strain found in Muskegon County where two people had contracted the illness from an infected pig at the county fair.

It is unknown at this time if any humans have contracted the illness in Ingham County.

Experts urge fair goers to keep their hands clean before and after visiting animal exhibits. Avoid bringing food or drinks with you inside of animal barns.

The chance someone may have gotten sick from the pig is fairly low, however there is always a possibility.

"If you have a fever, feeling tired, or worn down, you should be seeking medical treatment at that point and have a conversation with a doctor to see if this is something of concern," said James Averill, the State Veterinarian and Director of Animal Industry Division at the Michigan Department of Agriculture.