I recently read the Newsweek article (March 11-18, 2009 issue) on Swine Flu. It was fairly well-balanced, and outlined steps that people can take to avoid being a victim.
What it didn't explore thoroughly enough was the strong connection between keeping pigs and poultry/birds in near proximity. Essentially, both pigs and birds carry flu viruses. Because each species adds its own virus mixture, the resulting cross-genetic brew can move the newly created viruses from mildly distressing, to rapidly fatal.
The reason that Asia is the usual home for influenza is the huge numbers of inhabitants that keep both pigs and birds in the same place. Mexico has the same problem, and that is why the new flu comes from there.
On one hand, for the Muslim countries to mandate killing pigs will not stop the spread of the flu; the pigs themselves do not transmit the virus in the meat. But, they ARE on the right track with eliminating an ALTERNATE VECTOR (another organism that can harbor the virus, and pass it on to another organism - in this case, us) of the influenza virus. Killing birds would also have the same effect, but it's harder - they can escape the death sentence by flying off (not yet an option for pigs).
What to do? In America:
- Test all pig farms
- Forbid keeping poultry in the same place as pigs
- Follow sensible precautions, get any flu shots if you're vulnerable - elderly, chronic illness, or a teacher
- Allow students and school employees to stay home, without penalty, provided they have visited a doctor and have the paperwork to prove that it was flu
- That last alone could make the difference. In many states, a student who misses more than 10 days will automatically fail. And, in an effort to save sick time (not to mention the aggravation of preparing for absences), teachers often come in sick. I know I did this year.