Swine Flu

North American/Human flu (H1N1) (commonly referred to as “swine flu”)

28 April 2009



I wanted to provide an update to our industry partners and constituents about the current situation in the state of Indiana. With today’s announcement of the first confirmed human in Indiana with this novel virus, calls and public concern is likely to increase dramatically.



The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) is working closely with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to track the current flu situation and coordinate response efforts.



A conscious effort is being made by all agencies to avoid referring to the novel Type A (H1N1) strain of virus as “swine flu,” because this virus has not been isolated in any hogs to date. The current name is: Influenza A (H1N1)-North American/Human flu



I also wanted to share with you some basic key facts about some aspects of the situation.



If you have concerns or questions, feel free to contact us here at BOAH.



BOAH is working with ISDH and DHS to activate a central website, hopefully later today, that will have the latest information from all key agencies in a central site. That will be: http://www.fluinfo.in.gov



Until then, BOAH is maintaining updates on the web at: http://www.boah.in.gov



General Key Messages:



The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) works closely with pork producers, veterinarians and industry groups to educate them about ways to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases impacting animal and human health. This is why pork producers maintain strict biosecurity protections on their farms.



None of the human cases of this virus in the United States have been linked with direct contact with hogs.



This particular strain of H1N1 that has infected humans has not been identified in Indiana’s swine population.



Producers who notice unusual clinical signs, including illness or deaths, in their swine herds should contact a veterinarian.



BOAH is working closely with Indiana veterinarians and laboratories to increase surveillance for any cases of this disease.



Consumer Food Safety Key Messages:



According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), humans cannot contract this novel strain of influenza from eating pork. As always, pork should be properly handled and prepared to a safe cooking temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.



The U.S. food supply is the safest in the world. Hogs with obvious signs of illness, including swine flu, are rejected at inspection at processing and, therefore, do not become part of the human food supply.

This strain of H1N1 is a novel virus that has shown unique characteristics not normally seen in swine influenza viruses. This particular strain that is infecting humans has not been identified in Indiana’s swine population.



Pet-Related Key Messages:



1. Like most warm-blooded species, pets can contract flu or flu-like infections.



2. Historically, dogs and cats have not been susceptible to this North American/human (H1N1) type of flu. Since this is a novel virus and little is known about this specific strain, no one can say for certain at this time if this virus will affect dogs and cats.



3. Pet owners should continue to maintain regular vaccinations for their animals that protect against flu and flu-like diseases. If an owner notices unusual clinical signs in his or her pet, as always, the animal should be seen by a veterinarian for appropriate care.



Denise Derrer

Public Information Director

Indiana State Board of Animal Health

805 Beachway Drive, Ste. 50

Indianapolis, IN 46224-7785

317/227-0308

www.boah.in.gov

I think they should outlaw interstate movement of all swine, and require a 5 year status that no animals or humans have been infected with any flu like symptoms before any animals are moved from any farms. COME ON 30+ dead H1N1 Last 2 months!! CWD 0 25 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thats dang right! It is situations like this that prove that when it comes to deer, safety doesn't have a flippin thing to do with it! its $$$$$$$

First of all, Russell, thank you for being one of the good guys. Speaking from a swine farmer's perspective, I believeToo much of today's media are using the term "swine flu" without recognizing that this virus has nothing to do with hogs. The truth is that swine suffer unusually high mortality when they are infected with the virus, thus giving the virus its name: swine flu. The same virus was named "Spanish Flu" in 1918. Israelis think that the term swine flu is an offensive term because the Jews and Muslims don't eat pork. Their wish is that this virus be known as the "Mexican Flu". I'm not sure, but that seems pretty offensive as well; however, that term would be a more truthful depiction of the problem. Globally speaking, there are no reported swine herds with the virus at this time.



As for closing interstate travel of pork, beef, chickens, etc...that would not help ease the restrictions that have been (unfairly, in my opinion) put upon our deer movements. It would, however, raise the cost of your bacon cheeseburger.

nicely put Phillip.

on that note, it sounds to me like we need a better restriction on interstate movement of MEXICANS rather than hogs. lol

I thought Mexican flu was the loss of inhabitions from the consumption of tequila, and the residual suffering

I agree & know that its not the swine that are the problem. But the point is still out there that the pork, chicken, beef, and lamb, goat industries will never ever see the restrictions we deal with. And the chance of them spreading some global pandemic is extremely higher than our deer.



Besides if the price of cattle go up I will sell some of mine and buy more deer!!!

Trust me, the swine industry is heavily regulated.