You Can't Get the Flu From Pigs at the Zoo!

The 'flu' (short for influenza) is an illness caused by a virus. Viruses spread from person to person through the air after someone sneezes, coughs, or breathes nearby. They can also spread from surfaces (such as phones, door knobs, and keyboards) if someone has coughed or sneezed and not washed their hands before touching something.

Animals can get viruses, too. Usually, a virus is specific to a certain type of animal, and only that type of animal will get sick from it. So, birds get bird viruses, monkeys get monkey viruses, and pigs get pig viruses, etc. But sometimes, a virus can infect more than one type of animal, like both pigs and humans. Even more rarely, the virus will mutate, or change, so that even though it originated in pigs, it can then spread from person to person, without further contact with pigs. That is what is happening now with Influenza A(H1N1), formerly known as "swine flu." Contact with people, not pigs, is what is spreading the virus.

What does this mean for you? You are safe in the Zoo! Our pigs are not a danger to you or your family. Wash your hands often, especially before eating. Resist the urge to touch your mouth, nose, and eyes with "unclean" hands or fingers. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas where there are people exhibiting flu-like symptoms like coughing and sneezing. If you sneeze, always cough into the inside of your elbow or into a tissue that gets thrown away immediately. If you get sick, stay home and check in with your doctor. Don't be afraid to pig out! You cannot become infected by eating pork or bacon.

For more information about Influenza A(H1N1), please visit the Center for Disease Control's website.