Source:  NC Pork Council, 12/31/09

As has occurred in other commercial herds in other states, some pigs in NC have tested positive for the novel H1N1 virus.   An announcement was made Wednesday, December 23 by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that a federal laboratory confirmed the presence of the 2009 novel H1N1 flu virus in samples taken from pigs at two NC farms.  The animals have been under the care of a private veterinarian and have recovered from the illness. 

This is not unexpected news.  According to NCDA&CS, North Carolina is the 10th state with identified cases of H1N1 in animals.  Several months ago, show pigs from Minnesota tested positive and later, commercial herds in Indiana and Illinois tested positive.   In addition,  commercial turkeys in Virginia have tested positive for H1N1 as have ferrets, cats, a cheetah and a dog in other states.   

The NC Pork Council stresses the following points:  

• This latest development has been expected and planned for, and does not represent any escalation of concern to either our consumers or pork producers. 
• Our response is planned in accordance with any sick food animals found in our herds.   Any pigs with flu will be monitored, allowed to recover, and then returned to the production system. 
• According to the CDC, finding the novel 2009 H1N1 virus in our U.S. swine herd does not change the fact that you cannot get the H1N1 flu from eating pork. Pork and pork products remain safe to eat and handle. 
• Scientific studies conducted by the USDA have proven that the H1N1 flu is a respiratory virus, not a food-borne illness, and it is not found in the blood or meat of pigs exposed to the virus. 
• NC pork producers will continue their increased biosecurity protocols to ensure that their pigs remain safe and healthy. In addition, herd vaccination programs have been updated to protect swine herds from the H1N1 strain of swine influenza virus. 
• NC pork producers are working with NCDA & CS to monitor developments and communicate with all interested parties so that everyone is aware of the consistent protocol for treating any herds and getting them back into production. 
• Any farm employees who are not feeling well or who have otherwise exhibited symptoms of H1N1 should stay away from pigs.  Any farm personnel and others who have contact with pigs who have not received the H1N1 vaccine are encouraged to do so.