Swine Flu and Feral Pigs

May 7, 2009

Question: Can hunters contract the swine f lu virus from feral pigs? (Pete T., Redondo Beach)

Answer: No, the swine flu virus is spreading by human-to-human transmission; there is no indication of a human-animal disease relationship. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, people cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. No food safety issues related to the flu have been identified, so eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. Most influenza viruses, including the swine flu virus, are not spread by food.

Wild pigs do carry other potential hazards though, such as swine brucellosis, but the incidences of hunters contracting the disease from wild pigs in California are rare. Dr. Ben Gonzales, DFG veterinarian, recommends that hunters use common sense while in the field handling and dressing wild pigs. He also recommends the following safety precautions:

1.   Wear gloves and eye protection while handling and dressing wild pigs.

2.   Don’t eat, drink or smoke while working on the pigs.

3.   After dressing the animals, change into fresh clean clothes.

4.   Wash hands and equipment thoroughly with hot, soapy water.

5.   Safely handle, store and properly cook the meat.

Check the DFG Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov for more information and updates.