H1N1 Has Been Confirmed in Minnesota Pigs, and May Force Vaccines to Be Given to Other US Pigs

According to Fox News, the USDA has confirmed that H1N1 was found in Minnesota Pigs. They're saying that at least one of the pigs have tested positively for H1N1. The Agriculture Secretary is stating that the swine flu virus will not contaminate the pork products which are still being sold throughout the US. Therefore, there shouldn't be too much reason for concern about contracting the virus through any marketed pork products. The USDA is in the process is conducting tests on other pigs at this time.

These pigs were originally tested as part of a University project and one came back positive for H1N1. The USDA is also suggesting that these pigs became contaminated by someone who was carrying the H1N1 virus at the state fair where these pigs were stationed; they're thinking the virus was contracted by some children nearby.

According to Frank James of NPR, "A major scientific worry is that the H1N1 virus, now that it's back in the pig population, could recombine it's DNA with another virus pigs may be harboring and become an even more violent strain." Other genetic materials are also another possibility that could be found in a new strand that could be less violent then it is now. While the less violent option is more favorable right now, there's not suggesting that this will be the case. Once word gets out about this issue, folks are going to be more concerned about the possible viral mutations.

According to gather.com, giving vaccines to pigs could protect livestock producers from contaminating other animals that haven't contracted Swine Flu. Pigs are very susceptible to the avian and human flu strains even though they are considered mixed vessels. This is what causes the virus to mutate together creating other variations of H1N1.

While more research is being conducted on these pigs in Minnesota, there will be further research conducted on other pigs around the US as well. In the meantime, even though the USDA is suggesting that all pork products are safe, most skeptical people hearing of this issue will probably be avoiding these products until this situation is sorted out, or more answers are given on whether or not this has spread among more pigs then are being tested on right now. Whether or not grocery stores will put a hold on their pork products, is unknown at this time. For now, all stores plan to continue their daily orders of pork inventory as usual.