Why H1N1 influenza virus would not be found in pork

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Ottawa, ON [May 13, 2009] – In a new YouTube video, Dr. Cate Dewey clearly explains why the H1N1 Influenza A virus is not an issue in pork. Dr. Cate Dewey is Chair of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College of the University of Guelph and a professor of swine health and epidemiology.

“The virus will be entirely contained in the lungs of the pig,” says Dr. Dewey. “The influenza virus never goes into the blood of the pig and it never goes into the muscle of the pig. So pork is perfectly safe.”

The video provides a clear explanation of what health authorities have been telling consumers in relation to the spread of H1N1 Influenza A – that you cannot get the flu by consuming pork or products.

The YouTube video, entitled Pork Safety Explained – Dr. Cate Dewey can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=92DEyRK2D_A or by searching “Dr. Cate Dewey” at www.youtube.com.

Pork offers great value, especially in these recessionary times. It’s moderately priced, great tasting, easy to prepare and highly nutritious. Go to www.porkfits.com for simple, fast recipes to prepare pork for a busy family.

The Canadian Pork Council serves as the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations, our organization’s purpose is to play a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.

For more information, contact:

Karen Lewis

AdFarm

karen.lewis@adfarmonline.com

905-873-7834

Kerri-Sue Lang

AdFarm

kerri-sue.lang@adfarmonline.com

519-767-4646

Linda Smith

Fleishman Hillard

linda.smith@avantsc.ca