1 July 2009
Nairobi — Pigs, poultry and wild birds are being tested for the influenza virus. Livestock minister Mohammed Kuti said on Wednesday that the move is to keep in check the viruses that have the potential of causing a pandemic.
He revealed that the ongoing surveillance on pigs at their production areas and slaughter houses showed no cases of the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu.
The first case of swine flu in Kenya was confirmed on Monday after a 20-year-old British student tested positive for the virus in Kisumu.
Allay fears
Mr Kuti emphasised that all influenza A viruses, including the H1N1 virus, have the potential of causing pandemic through recombination and mutations.
He further stated that his ministry is currently engaged in a public awareness programme to allay fears and avert losses in the pig industry.
He assured Kenyans that it is safe to eat pork meat and its products. "You cannot get swine flu from eating inspected and cooked pork," Mr Kuti said. However, he confirmed that the virus can transfer to animals on close proximity.
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