April 30, 2007

Hogs that ate contaminated feed in Utah may be euthanized

Hogs believed to have eaten feed contaminated with melamine in Utah may be euthanized as a precautionary measure, state and local authorities said.

However, government officials refused to confirm on the exact period of completion of tests to identify whether the feed the pigs ate was tainted.

About 2,500 swine at four northern Utah hog farms could be affected by pig euthanasia, which was initiated last week by the US Food and Drug Administration. The pigs are currently under a voluntary "hold order," preventing the sale or transportation of the animals, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

It is not known whether any Utah pigs consumed contaminated feed or have suffered ill-effects. It is still determined whether any contaminated pork made it to market, or the effect of the contaminated pigs on humans.