Pig farmer culls AH1N1-infected herd in Alberta

A central Alberta pig farmer whose animals were quarantined after it was discovered they were infected with swine flu has voluntarily culled his entire herd, according to an industry organisation.

Alberta Pork, a group of pork producers serving the industry and consumers, said on Saturday (June 6) that Arnold Van Ginkel decided to cull his herd to save his business.

Despite assurance from the World Health Organisation that the meat from animals that have recovered from AH1N1 flu is safe to eat, Van Ginkel said continuing questions from consumers meant processors were reluctant to buy his hogs.

All 2,200 of the pigs on Van Ginkel's farm near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, were placed under quarantine in April after some of his animals became sick with the new strain of the AH1N1 flu virus.