The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #120511   Message #2621825
Posted By: Emma B
30-Apr-09 - 07:26 AM
Thread Name: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
The term "swine flu" is indeed 'misleading'
However, the reason it's named a 'swine' influenza is because H1N1 was first found in pigs.
Whatever species the virus is first found in is how it's labeled. H5N1 was 'avian' influenza because it was first found in birds.

Unfortunately pork producers are currently suffering from some irrational associations.