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USDA: Frequently Asked Questions About H1N1 Flu

Last Updated: April 29, 2009 Related resource areas: Agrosecurity and Floods

The United States Department of Agriculture provides answers to frequently asked questions about the current flu outbreak.

Released April 29, 2009

Do any swine have the virus that has infected humans?

There is no evidence at this time that swine in the United States are infected with this virus strain and therefore, this is not an animal health or food safety issue.

Can I get this new strain of virus from eating pork or pork products?

There is no evidence at this time that swine in the United States are infected with this virus strain and therefore, this is not an animal health or food safety issue.

Can I get this flu by touching pork that is not yet cooked?

What is this flu that people are talking about in the news?

It is a new strain of flu that consists of a mixture of genetic material from swine, avian and human influenza viruses.

Is USDA testing and monitoring to make sure swine are not infected with the virus and if so, how?

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.
To date, there have been no reports that the influenza virus currently causing illness in humans is circulating anywhere in the U.S. swine herd.
As a proactive measure, USDA has reached out to all state animal health officials to affirm they have no signs of this virus type in their state.
We have also reached out to pork producers to remind them of the need to watch for any warning signs.

How will the public be notified if the government finds a swine flu in a U.S. herd?

Delivering factual, timely information is a priority for USDA. Should there be a detection of influenza in the U.S. swine herd, those results would be shared with the public in a timely fashion.

Can you get this flu from being around or touching swine?

The CDC says that the spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:
Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses.
Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

How do we ensure that we take the appropriate measures to protect our swine?

We encourage commercial pork producers to intensify the bio-security practices they've long had in place. They should not loan equipment or vehicles to or borrow them from other farms. Swine from outside sources, such as transitional herds should not be brought back to the farm. Transitional herd is the term we use to define those herds that have some likelihood of contact with feral swine.
They should permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm. Swine workers should disinfect their shoes, clothes and hands. They should thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment and vehicles entering and leaving the farm and avoid visiting other livestock farms without proper cleaning and disinfection.
Also, they should report sick animals immediately. The industry understands the importance of preventing spread of the virus as quickly as possible to protect the industry.

Is there a vaccine for humans for this new strain?

Is my potbelly pig in danger? Can I get it from my pet?

There is no evidence at this time that the virus is in U.S. swine.
Swine owners should learn the warning signs of swine influenza. Signs of swine flu in pigs can include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed. If your pig is showing any of these signs, call your veterinarian.
Buy your animals from reputable sources and ensure that you have documentation of your new pet's origin. Be sure that you get your new animals checked by a veterinarian.
Keep your pigs and areas around them clean. If you have been around other animals, make sure that you clean your shoes, clothing, and other items. And don't forget to wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling your pet.

What steps can I take to make sure that I prepare my food properly?