Canfield Fair to remove hogs early due to swine flu concerns

Staff report

CANFIELD

The Canfield Fair will remove all hogs from the fairgrounds after judging and auctions conclude Sept. 1 due to reports of swine flu in Ohio.

The fair announced the public-safety measure Friday, after reportedly discussing it with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture, state veterinarian and fair veterinarian, according to a news release.

“While it is unfortunate we cannot host the hogs for the duration of the fair, we want to honor the time and commitment the junior fair contestants have put in to the raising of these animals, but still keep the health of our fairgoers a top priority,” fair manager Bev Fisher said in a statement.

Cases of H3N2 – commonly called “swine flu” – recently were confirmed at another Ohio county fair.

For information on the situation, visit www.canfieldfair.com.

The fair opens Aug. 31 and closes Sept. 5.