Swine flu still a concern in the U.S.

The spread of the H1N1 Influenza virus also known as the swine flu has created a national concern with over 6,400 cases reported worldwide, so it is important that you should know the facts and ways to protect yourself.

Pigs get infected with types of swine flu just like human beings, but they can also get infected with flu virus from birds (Avian flu) and from people (Human flu). Pigs often show clinical signs of the flu, but mortality (death) rate in pigs is about one to four percent. Swine farmers and veterinarians who work closely with infected pigs can also get infected with influenza. According to the recent studies various types of flu viruses' affects 30 to 50 percent swine, 15 to 20 percent swine farmers, and 10 percent veterinarians during the flu season in the U.S.

The H1N1 flu cases are now on the decrease, still the veterinarians and the public should continue to take precautions. However, the medium of transmission through food does not occur. The symptoms are similar to regular flu which includes cough, sore throat, fever, chills, headache and fatigue. Veterinarians should also develop and implement management strategies in order to reduce the spread of flu virus among pigs, people, and birds.

The Muslim Veterinary Medical Association urges federal government to provide funds in order to establish a National database of Zoonotic Disease Information System. This information system can be developed in collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Medical Association, State and local Veterinary Medical Association so that effective and timely communication among veterinarians and local physician association is established. It is a matter of public health which should be addressed by the public health community working collectively not individually.

Iqbal Ahmed

Streamwood