H1N1 and H1N2 are not food-borne illnesses. Neither virus can be transmitted by eating pork. Consumers can be assured that there is no risk associated with keeping pork on their menus.
Hog farmers have been proactively engaged in influenza surveillance for many years. This allows hog farmers and veterinarians to better understand the strains of influenza that are circulating and to ensure continuous improvement in prevention and response. This surveillance work tracks trends of influenza across western Canada and across production systems to provide insight into determining vaccine regimens for herds.
Hog farmers are reminded to continue to follow sound biosecurity protocols, including frequent handwashing, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and avoiding contact with livestock if you have flu-like symptoms. Manitoba Pork recommends that hog farmers review and strengthen existing biosecurity protocols where appropriate.
Manitoba Pork and hog farmers in Manitoba are engaged with Manitoba Health and Seniors Care, as well as Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, and will continue to assist in any way possible.
The identification of these two cases is recent. Further information will become available in the days ahead. Manitoba Pork is committed to providing updates to the public and to hog farmers as new information becomes available.
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