Pork consumption is safe, says V and AHD

SHILLONG, July 16: Swine flu and swine fever are two different diseases as explained by the Meghalaya Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry. Elucidating the difference between the two diseases, Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry (V and AH) Dr D Khonglah said today there has been no case of swine flu in the State. He went on to explain that the reported death of pigs in some parts of the State is either due to swine fever or other ailments. "Swine fever is an ailment of the pigs, and it is not an air-borne disease that can transmit into human beings," said Dr Khonglah, adding that it has nothing to do with swine flu. According to Khonglah, swine fever is a viral fever that only affects pigs that are not vaccinated.

While pork consumption has come down in some parts of Shillong as well as in parts of West Khasi Hills, the director of V and AH said the decline in consumption of pork is due to people’s misconception after some reports of swine flu cases in some countries. Apprehensions amongst the pork consumers in the State further compounded after Mizoram had slaughtered 600 pigs recently.

However, Khonglah said, "We don’t import pigs from foreign countries for consumption. Our alertness should not be misled." Khonglah also said it is safe to consume well-cooked pork and pork products. As per the latest census, there are around 4,18,940 registered pigs in the State. SOURCE: THE SENTINEL