Video Mayor Daley interviewed by Vesti TV (in Russian)

U.S. Embassy Moscow - April 28, 2009

As of April 27, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed 40 human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) in the United States. All U.S. cases have been mild, with no deaths reported.

A (H1N1) is being spread person to person. None of the confirmed human cases in the United States was the result of exposure to swine and the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) all state that there is no evidence that this virus is transmitted by meat.

There have been no reports of this influenza A H1N1 isolate occurring in live pigs in the United States. A network of Federal veterinarians, state animal health officials and private practitioners are regularly involved with monitoring U.S. swine for signs of significant disease.

We understand the Russian veterinary service’s concern and desire to be cautious and are working to answer all of their questions. Absent any risk to human or animal health, there is no basis for any import restrictions on U.S. pork or other meat products related to concern over swine influenza. We look forward to a quick resumption of normal meat trade with Russia.