H1N1 Could Return Aggressively this Fall
National Pork Board is encouraging producers to maintain biosecurity.
Compiled by staff
Published: Jul 14, 2009
The headlines aren't filled with stories about H1N1 anymore, however the Obama Administration has warned Americans to prepare for an aggressive return of H1N1 in the fall.
National Pork Board member Dianne Bettin encourages pork producers to remain vigilant and maintain strict biosecurity measures for their operations.
"We're still concerned about the biosecurity with our hogs," Bettin said. "H1N1 didn't come from pigs, but we don't want to turn around and have it end up with pigs."
New Head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Thomas Frieden said this flu isn't over and the potential for a significant outbreak in the coming season is looming.
Vaccinations will start in October if tests scheduled for August prove the vaccine is safe and effective. Still, only tens of millions of doses will be ready so school children, health care workers, pregnant women and people with asthma will probably be the first ones vaccinated.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said the federal government will offer $260 million in preparedness grants to states and cities for the vaccination drive and $90 million dollars to hospitals preparing for surges of cases. The Department of Health and Human Services is also remaking its Web site and will hold a contest asking Americans to film their own public-service announcement about flu. Sebelius says this is a YouTube challenge to everyone and the best will be aired nationwide.
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