Hong Kong discovers AH1N1 in imported pigs

The University of Hong Kong found that five samples taken from pigs at the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse had tested positive for the human swine influenza AH1N1 virus.

No gene re-assortment has occurred and the virus remained genetically similar to the human swine flu virus. It is believed that the flu virus has been transmitted from human to pigs.

The concerned samples were taken from pigs imported from the Mainland. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) had informed the Mainland authorities, and had strengthened its monitoring of registered farms that supplied live pigs to Hong Kong.

According to a FEHD spokesman, the World Health Organisation states that pork and pork products which are handled properly and thoroughly cooked are not a source of human swine influenza infection.

It is safe to eat pork and pork products that are cooked to an internal temperature of 70 degree Celsius or above.

In order to prevent an outbreak, the Hong Kong government initiated a vaccination programme against the human swine Influenza. Personnel involved in the pig farming and slaughtering trade are among the target groups to be vaccinated.