Human AH1N1 strain found in Indiana pig herd

Pigs at an Indiana farm tested positive for the human strain AH1N1, but have now recovered from the illness, the US Department of Agriculture said Monday (November 2).

Because the pigs no longer show any signs of illness, they can now be slaughtered to produce pork, the USDA said in a statement.  The US and international veterinarians and government officials have said the virus isn't transmitted through pork.

"People cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products," the USDA said.

Several pigs tested at the Minnesota State fair this year were confirmed to have contracted the human strain of AH1N1, but the USDA statement Monday is the first acknowledgement of finding the virus in a "commercial swine herd."

AH1N1 historically only sickened pigs, but the virus has mutated into a flu that now sickens and kills humans.

"The owner of the swine operation, working closely with a private veterinarian, state animal health officials, and USDA, has taken additional biosecurity steps to prevent the spread of the virus to other swine and people," the USDA said Monday.