Are concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) the origin of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
There currently is no evidence that this 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus originated in a CAFO. Today’s food animal production systems offer many opportunities to quickly detect, treat and contain disease.
- Animal caretakers constantly can monitor herd health, keep animals clean and protect the animals from predators, disease and extreme weather.
- Animals are provided care through the advice of veterinarians.
- Animal health products are provided to prevent, control and treat disease.
Animals reared in a CAFO setting have a lower incidence of infectious disease compared to those kept in free range operations.
- Swine that are maintained in free range conditions have more opportunities to become exposed to a broader range of pathogens and parasites because they are raised on soil and could come in contact with other animal species, including wildlife, that might carry diseases.
Last Reviewed: 10/14/2009
Related Questions:
- What is the history of the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu? When did the Swine Flu start?
- Do any pigs or swine in the United States have the H1N1 flu virus that has infected humans?
- Does the USDA expect to find the 2009 H1N1 virus in swine in the US?
- Is USDA testing and monitoring to make sure swine are not infected with the virus and if so, how?
- What is the USDA doing to keep the 2009 H1N1 virus from infecting swine herds in the US?
