Indiana pigs get swine flu

INDIANAPOLIS | An Indiana swine herd has tested positive for H1N1 influenza, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed this week.

The pigs likely caught H1N1, also known as swine flu, from an infected human handler, Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh said.

"We need to remember that identifying a flu virus in a swine herd is not uncommon," Marsh said. "Like humans, hogs are susceptible to many strains of flu."

State agriculture officials would not identify the farm or town where the infected swine were raised. The Times confirmed it was not in Northwest Indiana.

The pigs were tested for H1N1 infection Oct. 22. The USDA confirmed a positive result Monday.

The pigs and their handlers have all since recovered.

Officials did not require a quarantine of the infected pigs. A private veterinary practitioner will re-verify all of the pigs are healthy before they are moved.

This is the third group of pigs in the United States to be infected with H1N1 from contact with humans. Pigs at the Minnesota and South Dakota state fairs also tested positive for H1N1.

Spread of H1N1 from humans to animals is not limited to pigs. A pet ferret in Oregon also was infected following contact with its ill human handler.

Federal and state officials emphasize that swine flu cannot be transmitted to people by eating pork or pork products.

Also, Marsh said, "The U.S. meat inspection system provides an additional safeguard by inspecting all animals presented for slaughter twice: once before and once after slaughter. Sick animals are rejected from the food chain."

"Pork is safe to eat," the USDA said.