For the latest news, please see the H1N1 and Animal News Archive
I received a notice from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) today alerting veterinarians that a swine herd in Canada has been confirmed as testing positive for the H1N1 influenza virus. It is important to note that the swine herd was infected by a human who had been in Mexico, came home sick, and later infected the herd.
This news does not affect current H1N1 safety protocols. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stresses the following points in a recent H1N1 news release:
- There have been no reports that the novel H1N1 strain currently causing illness in humans is in U.S. swine.
- This is not a foodborne illness. The American food supply is safe and pork and pork products are safe. As is the case with all meat and poultry, safe handling and cooking practices should be used to kill any germs or bacteria that could make you sick.
- As a precaution, people with flu-like symptoms should not interact with swine, and swine showing influenza symptoms should be kept away from the public.
The good news is that the premises have been quarantined, the swine and the human are recovering and all appear healthy at this time.
Related Veterinary Resources for H1N1 Information:
2009 H1N1 Flu Virus Outbreak
From the AVMA
Frequently Asked Questions About 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
From the AVMA
Pandemic Preparedness for Veterinarians
From the AVMA
Canadian Swine Infected with H1N1 Virus Press Release
From the USDA
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