H1N1 found in Minnesota pigs

Monday Oct 19, 2009 (foodconsumer.org) -- The U.S. government said on Monday at least one pig from Minnesota has tested positive for the h1N1 virus.

This is the first time H1N1 virus was detected in a sample from a pig in the United States, media reports.

U.S. Agriculture Chief Tom Vilsack said in a statement that his agency, USDA under the Department of Health, has told meat traders and organizations that H1N1 or previously known as swine flu cannot be acquired by simply eating pork products.

"We have fully engaged our trading partners to remind them ... that there is no scientific basis to restrict trade in pork and pork products," Vilsack was quoted by the AP as saying. 

"People cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products. Pork is safe to eat."

The USDA initiated the testing of three samples collected between Aug 26 and Sept 1 at the Minnesota State Fair after it learned from a university research project that some pigs may have been contracted with H1N1.

The pigs of concern did not show symptoms, but USDA officials suggested that the infected animals may likely have contacted the virus from some of the 1.8 million visitors to the fair.

The detection of H1N1 is expected to have no impact on the pork market or trade business, but officials are waiting to see how people would respond to the report.

By David Liu davidl at foodconsumer dot org