News

Canadian farm has suspected case of H1N1 virus

On Saturday, Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials tentatively confirmed that swine at a farm in Alberta, Canada tested positive for the H1N1 virus strain. Finalconfirmation of that diagnosis is expected in the next few days.

According to reports, a carpenter who had recently been to Mexico exhibited symptoms while working on the farm. Officials say the swine have already begun to recover and no swine have left the premises as CFIAhas quarantined the farm.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says the Canadian detection does not change the situation in the U.S. He says no U.S. swine have been infected and emphasized that this is not a food borne illness.

Vilsack saysthe discovery will not impact trade with Canada and that the U.S. would await the final test results before considering any action. He cited guidelines set forth by the World Organization for Animal Health, which state any trade restrictions must be based on science.