Should people be concerned about getting sick from pigs?
No, to date, pigs do not play a role in the ongoing transmission of the 2009 pandemic
H1N1 virus.
- The 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus currently found in people is a new virus, with a combination of genes not seen before in humans or pigs.
- Calling the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus currently circulating in people around the world “swine flu” has led to confusion.
Pig owners should keep people with respiratory illness away from animals.
- Seasonal flu viruses are occasionally transmitted from people to pigs.
- Recognize flu-like symptoms in humans - fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and possibly vomiting or diarrhea.
- Anyone who has been diagnosed with flu, has flu-like symptoms, or reports contact with others who have flu-like symptoms should avoid contact with pigs.
Pig owners should be utilizing protective measures to keep their animals healthy.
- Enhance protective practices to prevent spread of the virus.
- Permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm to limit the chances of bringing the virus from an outside source.
- Avoid visiting other livestock farms.
- Disinfect shoes, clothes, hands, crates, vehicles and tires – all of which can carry the virus.
- Protect your herd from contact with other animals.
Last Reviewed: 10/14/2009
