New restrictions on Wis. county fair swine

The spread of virus that has killed millions of pigs across the country has caused Wisconsin officials to impose new restrictions on showing swine at county fairs this year.

The state veterinarian has banned the spring weigh-in for pigs that will be shown at summer fairs. Counties are also advised to that all the pigs going to the fair be sent to slaughter afterward, instead of going back to the farm.

The PEDv virus has been found in 23 states. As many as 4 million pigs have died since the virus first surfaced in April 2013.

In January, the number of cases in Minnesota increased by almost two-thirds. The disease has been found in about 300 hog barns across the state.

The La Crosse Tribune reports the state veterinarian has warned that fairs and exhibitions that don't restrict swine to "terminal" events, or slaughter, could face sanctions if the virus is suspected at the show.