August 1, 2009

 

Australia finds AH1N1 on pig farm

 

 

Australia has discovered AH1N1 in a pig herd in New South Wales as a result of human-to-pig transmission. 

 

Up to 2,000 pigs in the farm caught the virus from a sick farmer and his staff, according to authorities. The animals and the farm have been quarantined and disease experts are now working to contain the outbreak.

 

This is the first case of AH1N1 in pigs in Australia.

 

The farmer and staff have previously suffered flu-like symptoms and are being tested for AH1N1 by NSW Health.

 

None of the sick animals have entered the human food chain and no sick pigs would be slaughtered, the government said.

 

The pork industry and authorities have confirmed that pork is safe for consumption.