RSPCA: Swine Flu Outbreak
We have issued the following statement from an animal welfare perspective, together with answers to some frequently asked questions, for anyone concerned about the current outbreak of swine flu.
Swine flu viruses don’t normally affect humans, but sporadic human infections have occurred – as in the case of the current outbreak in Mexico.
As this particular strain has mutated to affect humans only, it is believed that this strain cannot be passed onto animals, including farm animals such as pigs or domestic pets.
We believe – based on current evidence – that this particular variant of the virus has never been seen in pig herds across Europe.
It cannot be transmitted through eating pork, although people should always make sure any meat is cooked properly.
“It is important to keep this news in proportion,” says Dr Julia Wrathall, head of farm animal science at the RSPCA.
“There is no evidence that this strain of swine flu can be transmitted to other animals such as pets, or could be passed back to pigs or other farm animals.
“So far there have been no reported outbreaks on UK farms, and at present the disease has been limited to a small number of confirmed human cases in this country – all of whom have recently returned from Mexico.
“However, we will be monitoring the situation closely with regard to any animal welfare implications.”
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