Some people are panicking:
KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) — In light of the swine-flu outbreak in Mexico, the Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Association of Malaysia (FLFAM) has strongly urged the government to stop pork imports until the situation is resolved.
FLFAM market development manager and veterinarian Dr Kaw Eng Sun Monday advised the government to temporarily stop importing any pig breeding stocks from the United States, Canada and Mexico along with any pork products from around the world including Vietnam and China. [Pork Imports Should Stop Immediately: FLFAM. Bernama. April 27 2009]
A good move to follow?
I think he is panicking.
Or, really, I smell rats. After all, this appears like a conflict of interest. Here we have a local producer requesting for a sweeping ban of imports of pork product. After all, the FLFAM not only wanted to stop imports from North America, it wants to stop imports from Vietnam and China too.
It is like hiding behind something to achieve a protectionist goal.
Why do I smell rats?
At the highly reputable Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. [Swine Influenza and You. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 26 2009]
Hmm…
Just say no to monopoly.
