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Frequently Asked Questions - H1N1 Flu Virus

Pigs and Pork Products

Q1. How can an influenza virus spread from pigs to people?

Q2. Should people be avoiding exposure to pigs?

Q3. Can I catch H1N1 Flu Virus from eating pork?

Q4. Can the H1N1 Flu Virus be transmitted from humans to other animals, other than pigs, such as farm animals and household pets?

Q1. How can an influenza virus spread from pigs to people?

Different strains of influenza are commonly circulating in our environment, including strains that can cause illness in humans, birds and pigs.

Sometimes, humans and animals can pass strains of flu back and forth to one another through direct close contact - such as in pig production barns and livestock exhibits at fairs.

When a swine influenza virus does affect a human, there is also a risk that the animal influenza can mutate and then spread directly between humans.

Q2. Should people be avoiding exposure to pigs?

Influenza viruses can be transmitted from pigs to people and vice versa via coughs and sneezes, but there are not many documented cases of this actually happening. This H1N1 Flu Virus is spreading between humans – not directly from pigs to people. As a result, there is no risk from proximity to healthy pigs.

Because humans can also spread the disease to pigs, individuals with influenza symptoms should avoid close contact with pigs to reduce the risk of introducing a new influenza virus into domestic swine populations.

Government officials are conducting investigations to find out more about how this particular strain of H1N1 Flu Virus spreads.

Q3. Can I catch H1N1 Flu Virus from eating pork?

No. H1N1 Flu Virus is not transmitted through pork meat. Continue to follow proper handling and cooking procedures to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Q4. Can the H1N1 Flu Virus be transmitted from humans to other animals, other than pigs, such as farm animals and household pets?

Scientists are currently conducting a range of studies to learn more about the H1N1 Flu Virus. Part of this work is focusing on the susceptibility of various species.

Get all the facts on the H1N1 Flu Virus