AVMA Advises Consumers That Pork and Pork Products Are Safe for Consumption

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Veterinary
Medical Association (AVMA) is advising consumers concerned about the outbreak
of the new virus being called swine influenza that neither exposure to pigs
nor consumption of pork are risk factors for infection.

"This disease is transmitted from human to human and, as far as we know right
now, it does not involve pigs, livestock or pets," explains Dr. Ron DeHaven,
chief executive officer of the AVMA. "That said, the association advises
people to follow proper cooking guidelines for all meat products including
pork to avoid food borne illnesses such as salmonella."

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians has reported the new virus has
not been found in pigs.

"The AVMA is working with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and
so far there have been no reports of outbreaks among swine herds, although
members of the group are stepping up surveillance for the virus and keeping in
close contact with federal and state animal health officials," Dr. DeHaven
said.

"It's unfortunate that this flu strain is being called "swine" flu, because
the virus is a combination of viruses including swine, poultry and human
influenzas," explains Dr. Bret Marsh, the Indiana state veterinarian. "The
reality is that swine flu hasn't been found in swine populations in the United
States."

This new virus, despite its name, is believed to be spreading via human to
human contact. Swine influenza is believed to have spread among people who had
no contact with pigs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued a statement on April
26 that there was no evidence swine have been infected with this new virus.

This new virus was first reported in North America. The virus has caused more
severe illness and some deaths in Mexico, and, to date, there has been only
one death from the illness reported in the United States.

The symptoms of this new influenza are similar to seasonal flu but may have
additional gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting, stomach ache and
diarrhea.

For more information, please visit www.avma.org.

The AVMA and its more than 78,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide
variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal,
human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org for more
information.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association

Tom McPheron, of American Veterinary Medical Association, +1-847-285-6781,
Cell: +1-773-494-5419, tmcpheron@avma.org