INDIANAPOLIS -- Pork producers are using the Indiana State Fair as a platform to dispel misconceptions that H1N1 flu, more commonly known as swine flu, has any adverse effect on those who eat pork.

Mike Platt, executive director of the Indiana Pork Producers Association, said that since news of swine flu broke in April, Hoosier producers have lost about $15 million in potential profits, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

By the end of the year, losses could mount as high as $70 million, spurred by ill-conceived fear. Combined with the recession, hog farmers are struggling to stay afloat.

"People have been holding on by their fingertips. It's a sad situation," Platt said. "The H1N1 issue is a red herring. It's not an issue, and that's what we're trying to combat."

There are extra safety precautions in place at the fair to protect hog herds. Signs were posted that asked anyone who has been ill or recently traveled out of the country to stay out of livestock barns.

"We've known that we've had swine influenza and viruses from swine for many years, but this is a unique one," said Dr. Bret Marsh, of the Indiana Board of Animal Health. "We want to make sure both public health and animal health are preserved throughout the fair."

While demand for pork products is down, the cost of raising a hog and getting it to market has nearly doubled, factoring in the rising cost of feed and fuel.

Platt said that it costs about $160 to raise a hog for market now, but that the animals are selling for just $120 each.

"We have about 3,000 producers in the state now, but that number could certainly change from this," said Anne Hazlett, Indiana director of agriculture.

Without a market turnaround soon, agriculture experts think several Hoosier pork producers could go bankrupt by next year. Indiana ranks fifth nationally in pork production.

Producers said the only way people can pull pig farmers from the mire is to buy a lot of pork and encourage their friends to do the same.