Agricultural News
Pork Producers Should Prepare for Flu Season
Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:12:38 CDTAs the United States enters another flu season, the Pork Checkoff is advising producers, farm personnel and others who have contact with pigs to get the seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible to help protect human and pig health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says - the influenza vaccine supply is plentiful this year. As a general guideline, it is recommended for all people over the age of 6 months.
Dr. Lisa Becton, director of swine health for the Pork Checkoff, says - it's always wise for producers and swine farm workers to reduce the risk of getting sick and bringing the flu to the farm or workplace by getting vaccinated. And she recommends that operations modify their sick-leave policies to encourage workers to stay away from the farm if they are suffering from acute respiratory infections. She warned - people may remain contagious from three to seven days - after the illness subsides.
Also, good building ventilation and good hygiene will help reduce transmission of flu viruses. And to prevent pigs and humans from other species' influenza viruses, Becton says - producers also should look at bird-proofing their buildings, protecting feed from birds and enforcing biosecurity practices, such as the use of farm-specific clothing and footwear.
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