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With the number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Canada and around the world increasing, many people are worried about contracting the disease. This disease is a contagious respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A Influenza viruses. It is a disease that can affect animals and humans with symptoms similar to regular flu.
While the disease is contagious, medical authorities are indicating the swine flu is not contracted by eating pork.
The Public Health Agency of Canada indicates that it is not possible to contract the disease from eating properly cooked pork products. It is important to ensure there is no pink in the middle when you cook pork. So far there is no evidence that people who have contracted the disease were in contact with pigs.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has published answers to some of the commonly asked questions regarding this disease, including information for veterinarians and producers.
For pigs, the disease could be spread from sneezing or coughing within close quarters or through contaminated equipment. Some of the symptoms include: fever, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite and weight loss. According to the CFIA, animals usually recover within five to seven days.
Humans can contract the virus from coughing, sneezing and coming into contact with contaminated equipment. Some human symptoms include nausea, fatigue, congestion and cough.
The CFIA indicates that veterinarians and producers should “develop management strategies to limit the incidence and spread.” It is also advised to take extra caution when receiving visitors to farms, especially those who have recently travelled to Mexico or southern United States.
Public Health Agency of Canada
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
General information: Human swine influenza, Public Health Agency of Canada
and
Swine Influenza – Advice for Veterinarians and Swine Producers, Canadian Food Inspection gency
