Pigs in North get H1N1 flu
Northern Ireland’s chief vet Bert Houston issued the advice after the first European case in pigs of the H1N1 pandemic flu virus was found in piglets in the province.
“We have issued a code of practice which contains advice to farmers on how to reduce the risk of influenza entering pig herds and how to minimise onward spread if introduction does occur.”
Cases in pigs have been reported in Canada, Argentina and Australia. Sources in the North’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said the outbreak was not unexpected, because the virus is circulating in humans, and flu viruses are widespread in pigs.
It poses no food safety risk, because it is not transmissible through pork. It may take infected pigs a fortnight longer to mature, but they are expected to recover.
