Vancouver – Hundreds of pigs at an Alberta farm came down with Swine Flu in the first reported incident since the outbreak of the flu in humans, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced. The fear now is that exports of Canadian pork could be affected even though both the Canadian Food Inspection agency and the World Health Organization emphasize it is safe to eat well-cooked pork.
The Swine Flu in pigs was caused by a man who returned from a trip to Mexico. Authorities said the pigs developed symptoms after the man came back to work.
“Preliminary testing conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) indicates the presence of H1N1 flu virus in a swine herd in Alberta,” said a CFIA statement.
“The pigs were likely exposed to the virus from an individual who had recently returned from Mexico and had been exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Signs of illness were subsequently observed in the pigs. All pigs have since recovered or are recovering.”
“The herd has been placed under quarantine, and the CFIA is working with public health colleagues to determine the most appropriate next steps to ensure that public and animal health remain protected,”
The virus that has affected hundreds and possibly thousands is new to scientists and tests are currently underway to determine its chief characteristics.
The Canadian farm case is the first reported infection of pigs in North America.
CFIA is now asking other hog farmers to take measures to secure their animals so the infection does not spread from humans to pigs and from pigs to humans.