Advice for pig keepers with open farms and petting zoos
Influenza viruses are transmitted by the spread of respiratory secretions, mostly via direct contact and short distance aerosol spread. Virus from humans can typically travel for 1-2 metres through sneezing.
If you have pigs in close proximity to the general public you can reduce the risk of your pigs becoming infected from an infected visitor by ensuring a distance of 3 metresbetween the public and any pigs through using fencing or other appropriate barriers.
In petting zoos, open farms etc you should remind people that if they have clinical signs of influenza they should avoid contact with pigs.
You can also encourage people to observe good personal hygiene by washing hands regularly, and to follow the “catch it, bin it, kill it” guidance.
As will be standard practice in your business you will need to follow HSE guidance that is relevant to zoonotic disease and open farms.
Last Updated 21 August 2009
