State health officials in Montana have reported a case of H1N2 variant influenza in a patient attending an agricultural fair.  A previous case of H1N2 variant influenza virus was identified in Michigan earlier this year.  Most of the exposures associated with agricultural fairs are swine to human although subsequent human-to-human transmission is possible but generally unlikely.

As the state fair season commences, there is considerable potential for zoonotic infection from swine. Surveillance of animals is necessary and should visitors become ill it is necessary to diagnose the cause and characterize any potential zoonotic pathogens.  Influenza is the most important viral condition to be considered.  Bacterial infections include Salmonella, STEC and Listeria from ruminants.  Appropriate common-sense precautions should be taken to prevent infection with no eating or drinking in animal exhibition areas and thorough hand washing after visiting pens containing livestock.

It is a basic biosecurity precaution that animal caretakers in contact with commercial flocks and herds should not visit agricultural fairs and exhibitions.