The H1N1 virus is coming again this flu season and the pork industry is collaborating with the USDA to keep an eye on H1N1 among pigs. So far, there haven't been any cases of swine flu among US pig herds, but the pork industry is already taking precautions.

There will be three areas to look at, according to an article from Brownfield Ag News, including:

1.     Any sick people working with hogs

2.     First point of concentration, including fairs or buying stations

3.     Samples submitted by veterinarians

If the disease is discovered in a herd, the sick hogs won't be able to be removed from the herd until state health officials say it is ok to do so.

H1N1 cannot be transferred through food. While the H1N1 virus affects pigs, it cannot be spread by eating safely-handled, thoroughly-cooked pork. No changes to cooking time or temperature have been advised according to the Centers for Disease Control.

- Colvin