LEBANON, TN (WSMV) -
With new cases of swine flu popping up in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert warning to fair organizers across the country to take added precautions this year.
Although there have been no reported cases of the H2N3 virus at fairs in Tennessee, organizers of the Wilson County Fair aren't taking any chances.
The group has additional veterinarians on-site checking pigs for illness. The Department of Agriculture is also inspecting the swine.
However, organizers add fairgoers need to do their part as well. They've set up about a dozen hand washing and sanitation stations throughout the fairgrounds. They're urging guests to wash their hands after touching livestock.
Hale Moss, president of the fair, explained they implemented many of the these precautions five years ago during the E. coli scare.
"It's important for our guests, for their safety. We want them to have a good experience at the Wilson County Fair," said Moss.
The fair kicked off Friday and runs through Aug. 25. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children 6 and older. Kids younger than 6 get in free.
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