| New flu outbreak |
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The recent outbreak of influenza A virus in Mexico, the US, and other countries has captured the news and led to questions about the virus and how it is spread. We present the following key points of information. - Even though the new outbreak is being called "swine" flu, the virus has not been detected in any swine in the US. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) calls it H1N1 flu.
- This strain of flu is being transmitted between people and does not involve pigs for transmission.
- Properly prepared pork meat is safe to eat.
- There is no evidence that this virus strain is transmitted to dogs or cats.
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Department of Human Services have released the following standard prevention techniques to prevent the spread of influenza. These include
- hand-washing and using alcohol-based hand cleaners.
- covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze.
- avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- trying to avoid close contact with sick people and staying home from work or school if you are sick.
- CDC information on H1Ni virus "swine flu"
- Spanish version of CDC information on H1N1 virus "swine flu"
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| Key points for swine owners |
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Edited from American Association of Swine Veterinarians Web page, updated 4/29/09.
Recommendation for swine owners to increase their disease awareness and biosecurity safeguards to prevent the introduction of this virus into swine herds.
- Prohibit unnecessary visitors especially international visitors.
- Employees or family members with flu-like symptoms should not be allowed to contact pigs and should be encouraged to visit their family physicians.
- Change into farm-specific clothes and shoes before entering swine facilities.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in facilities to minimize re-circulation of air inside animal housing facilities.
- Consider vaccinating pigs against the influenza virus. Vaccination of pigs may reduce the levels of virus shed by infected animals.
- Contact your veterinarian if swine exhibit flu-like or respiratory illness, especially if the onset or presentation of the illness is unusual.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is ready to assist with on-farm investigations, if pigs are present where a known human case has occurred. ODA will also assist with investigations with any human cases that may have links to swine in Oregon. Please call the Animal Health and Identification Division in Salem at (503) 986-4680.
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