KLA: Vilsack Emphasizes H1N1 Cannot Be Contracted By Eating Pork
10/20/2009 09:15AM
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Testing at the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed pandemic H1N1 influenza in a pig sample collected at the Minnesota State Fair, held August 26 through September 1. Additional samples are being tested.
U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said his agency is fully engaged with export partners to reaffirm there is no scientific reason to restrict trade in U.S. pork and pork products.
“People cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products,” said Vilsack. “Pork is safe to eat.”
Samples collected from the Minnesota State Fair hogs were part of a University of Iowa and University of Minnesota cooperative agreement research project intended to document influenza viruses where humans and pigs interact at fairs. Funding for the study was provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
USDA continues to remind swine producers about the need for good hygiene, biosecurity and other practices to prevent the introduction and spread of influenza in their herds. Producers are encouraged to participate in USDA’s swine influenza virus surveillance program.
For more information visit www.kla.org