Over the past week, many of you have witnessed the Swine Flu epidemic unfold before your eyes on the nightly news. Of course, there is reason for concern any time a new disease or illness affects members of our society. However, there has already been a few instances of misinformation and misconception revolving around Swine Flu, or H1N1. Specifically, pork is still safe to eat. Below you will find a statement that was recently released by the Ohio Pork Producers Council. I hope you find this information useful to you and your families.
SWINE FLU INFORMATION: PORK IS SAFE TO EAT; OHIO’S HOG FARMERS
VIGILANT IN ON-FARM PRECAUTIONS
April 27, 2009, COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Pork Producers Council (the Council) today issued the below statement regarding recently diagnosed Ohio and U.S. cases of the swine influenza virus:
“The Council has learned that Ohio Department of Health officials have identified a case of swine flu in an Ohioan in Lorain County, and we are aware of several cases in other states as well.
“It is our understanding that preliminary findings in the U.S. cases of this influenza virus do not involve any direct contact between people and pigs. That being said, like all Ohioans,Ohio’s hog farmers are concerned about this disease and will work closely with state health department leaders in evaluating this finding.
“The swine influenza subtype isolated from these cases is unique and not previously recognized in either pigs or people. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have said, ‘This virus is different, very different from that found in pigs.’
“At this time, there is no evidence that this swine influenza subtype is present in pigs in the United States, but hog farmers and the pork industry continue to work with the CDC and the US Department of Agriculture as the investigation continues.
“The CDC also has stated humans cannot contract this strain of the virus from eating pork. Consumers should be confident in enjoying pork just as they always have.
“This is a good time for all Ohioans to remember important food safety tips. Proper handling of pork products, regular cleaning of kitchen utensils and counters, and cooking to proper temperatures help minimize the risk of any illness.
“In addition, basic hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness, like hand washing and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, are essential for public health. Any Ohioan who is experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact a medical professional.
“The Council is advising hog farmers in Ohio to remain vigilant in on-farm disease prevention and biosecurity measures. Vaccinations for pigs and for farm workers, as well as the enforcement of extensive biosecurity protocols will keep this disease from spreading to Ohio’s herds.”
Additional information and safety tips can be found at the following internet addresses:
http://www.pork.org/PorkScience/Documents/PUBLICHEALTH%20influenza.pdf
http://www.ohiopork.org/News/TimelyNews/Swine%20Influenza.doc
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/04/0130.xml
