The Ministry of Agriculture says the H1N1 flu (swine flu) poses no threat to the local pig industry and it is safe to eat pork and pork products.

In a press release the ministry’s Animal Health Department advised that the World Health Organisation said it was safe to consume pork. The Department also said there is no trace of the virus in Guyana and surveillance has been heightened at all ports of entry and at pig farms. Veterinarians have also been deployed to all ten administrative regions.

 Further, the agriculture and health ministry are collaborating on safeguarding all ports.

According to the release a Disease Action Plan is also in place should there be a need to contain and control the disease. The ministry said for more information pig farmers can call its hotline numbers: 227-5049 and 225-8310. Text messages can be sent to 691-0000.