Straight Talk

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N1 H1 VIRUS LINK…STRAIGHT TALK

AVMA advises consumers that pork and pork products are safe for consumption
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is advising consumers concerned about the outbreak of the new virus being called swine influenza that neither exposure to pigs nor consumption of pork are risk factors for infection.

"This disease is transmitted from human to human and, as far as we know right now, it does not involve pigs, livestock or pets," explains Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the AVMA. "That said, the association advises people to follow proper cooking guidelines for all meat products including pork to avoid food borne illnesses such as salmonella. "The American Association of Swine Veterinarians has reported the new virus has not been found in pigs.

"The AVMA is working with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and so far there have been no reports of outbreaks among swine herds, although members of the group are stepping up surveillance for the virus and keeping in close contact with federal and state animal health officials," Dr. DeHaven said.

"It's unfortunate that this flu strain is being called "swine" flu, because the virus is a combination of viruses including swine, poultry and human influenzas," explains Dr. Bret Marsh, the Indiana state veterinarian. "The reality is that swine flu hasn't been found in swine populations in the United States."

This new virus, despite its name, is believed to be spreading via human to human contact. Swine influenza is believed to have spread among people who had no contact with pigs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued a statement on April 26 that there was no evidence swine have been infected with this new virus. This new virus was first reported in North America. The virus has caused more severe illness and some deaths in Mexico, and, to date, there has been only one death from the illness reported in the United States.

The symptoms of this new influenza are similar to seasonal flu but may have additional gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting, stomach ache and diarrhea.

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WHY IS IT CALLED SWINE FLU?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the flu virus spreading around the world should not be called "swine flu" as it also contains avian and human components and no pig was found ill with the disease so far.

A more logical name for it would be "North-American Influenza," a name based on its geographic origin - not as catchy though. "The virus has not been isolated in animals to date. Therefore it is not justified to name this disease swine influenza."

Richard Besser, acting director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, acknowledged that the agency's use of the swine flu label was fueling the misconception that people could catch the new respiratory disease from food. "That's not helpful to pork producers. That's not helpful to people who eat pork," Dr. Besser said.

"And so we're discussing: is there a better way to describe this that would not lead to inappropriate action on peoples' part?"

According to Peter Cowen, associate professor of epidemiology and public health at North Carolina State University, the H1N1 virus is being called "swine flu" because of the 1918 outbreak in Spain. Cowen said the H1N1 (swine) flu virus probably had a wild bird origin but nonetheless became known as the swine influenza virus because it caused significant mortality in both swine and human populations. <http://www.pork.org/NewsAndInformation/WebFeaturePage2.aspx?Id=473>

As for the widespread public use of the term swine flu, Cowen said it is unfortunate because the name implies a simple, zoonotic transmission between swine and people, when in reality, its origin and epidemiology is likely to be much more complex.

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CHRISTIAN COUNTY FARMERS ARE KEEPING YOUR FOOD SAFE
Like all farmers, pork producers take food safety very seriously. They already have bio-security practices in place, but are intensifying those best practices right now.

For example, pork producers:
* Don't loan equipment or vehicles to or borrow them from other farms.
* Don't bring swine that could be in contact with feral (wild) hogs brought back to the farm.
* Only permit essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm.
* Disinfect their shoes, clothes and hands. They thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment and vehicles entering and leaving the farm and avoid visiting other livestock farms without proper cleaning and disinfection.
* Encourage workers to get vaccinated against the seasonal influenza virus.

With the recent outbreak, pork producers are encouraged to take added steps, including:

Establish, implement and enforce strict sick leave policies for workers presenting influenza-like symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Implement biosecurity for workers reporting international travel.

Limit the entry of people into your facility to workers and essential service personnel.

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HELPFUL N1 H1 VIRUS LINKS:
Truth about Swine Flu
www.farmingforyou.com <http://www.farmingforyou.com/>

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov <http://www.cdc.gov/>

Illinois Pork Producers Association
http://www.ilpork.com <http://www.ilpork.com/>

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