If A Pig Contracts Swine Flu Can It Be Slaughtered And Eaten

While the instances of swine flu are on the rise, there have been concerns everywhere whether it is safe to eat pork or not. There have been questions raised whether pigs that have swine flu are being slaughtered for human consumption.

For the pork lovers, the good news is that this flu is not transmitted through food and one can eat pork without any worries about contracting the swine flu. Swine flu can only be transmitted through sneezing, coughing or touching places that are infected with germs. Hence, it is safe to eat pork products. According to the World Health Organization, eating pork products does not lead to any infection. However, it is essential to cook the pork at an internal temperature of 160 degrees or more. This will ensure that any virus that is present is killed.

There is no evidence that touching raw meat may lead to infection, but it is better to wash one’s hands and all surfaces after touching raw meat to avoid any eventualities.

Swine flu is an infection that is spreading from person to person through respiratory tract, but people are getting mislead on account of its name and there have been instances where countries have actually culled the pigs to avoid transmission of swine flu. But these steps are absolute unnecessary as there have been no cases of pigs with swine flu found. Hence, it can be safely said that neither the pigs nor consuming any pork products can lead to swine flu. Only coming into direct contact with a person affected with swine flu or catching the virus through coughing and sneezing can lead to swine flu.

And if a pig contracts swine flu, the relevant authorities have to be notified and it goes without saying that the authorities will not allow that pig to be slaughtered and eaten. Rather the pig will be culled to avoid the spread of infection. In addition, government vets will observe the other pigs to see if they develop the symptoms and if they do, they too would be culled.

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If A Pig Contracts Swine Flu Can It Be Slaughtered And Eaten