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According to a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland by acting WHO assistant director-general Keiji Fukuda, “Eating port is not a danger in terms of getting this infection.” [Reuters: “WHO says no infection risks from eating pork“]
In fact, the origin of this strain of swine flu has not been identified. Scientists do not know for sure whether it comes from pigs or not. [World Organization for Animal Health: “A/H1N1 influenza like human illness in Mexico and the USA: OIE statement”]
In fact, they think it might be coming from strains of flu originating from pigs, humans, and/or birds.
Rumors and false statements, in any form, can hurt innocent people and organizations. Even governments are continuing these inaccurate rumors as many countries around the world are restricting pork imports from Mexico and other swine-flu-affected countries.
These other swine-flu-affected countries include the United States, Canada, many countries in South America, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and other countries in Europe, Kenya, China, Taiwan, Japan, and other countries in Asia.
The New York Times article "Pork Industry Fights Concerns Over Swine Flu" talks about these false statements. Within the article, it states, "The pork industry reacted with frustration. Medical authorities say that people cannot contract the swine flu from eating properly cooked pork. There is no evidence so far that the people who are becoming sick were in contact with pigs."
Yes, caution should be used when controlling and preventing any disease. However, there has been found no association between processed-for-food pigs (that is, pork) and any risk of getting swine flu.
Swine flu, or also called swine influenza, hog flu, or pig flu, refers to a type of influenza (flu) that is caused by various strains of the influenza virus called swine influenza virus (SIV). The swine flu is caused specifically by a new strain of SIV called influenza A virus subtype H1N1.
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