The dairy industry is closely monitoring the H1N1 flu virus and potential implications for the U.S. livestock community. Both the U.S. government and World Health Organization (WHO) have stopped using the term "swine flu" to avoid confusion over the link to pigs. The influenza subtype involved in the outbreak is unique and not previously recognized in either pigs or people. The H1N1 virus is not transmissible to cattle, and cattle are not reservoirs of the virus, as swine and birds can be.

The dairy industry has responded to inquiries about the impact of H1N1 on the dairy supply chain. Below are talking points to help you address any inquiries from industry contacts and dairy producers.

1. The dairy industry is closely monitoring the H1N1 flu outbreak.
   • The dairy industry is working closely with our partners in government and agriculture to identify potential implications for the U.S. livestock community.
   • The dairy industry is posting H1N1 situation updates at www.dairyresponse.com – a resource for dairy farmers on animal health/animal disease outbreaks.
   • To date, no government recommendations have been directed toward dairy producers.
2. The dairy supply chain is safe.
   • There is absolutely no link to cattle, either in Mexico or the United States.
   • The virus is NOT transmissible to cattle, and cattle are not reservoirs of the virus, as swine and birds can be.
   • Raw milk is stored and transferred in closed systems, and pasteurization would kill the virus if it ever came in contact with milk.
   • Once pasteurized, milk is immediately packaged and is not subject to contamination.
3. The food supply remains safe.
   • H1N1 flu is not transmitted via food, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. This includes the meat from pigs or chickens, or dairy products from cows.
   • This is not an animal health or food safety issue according to U.S. Department of Agriculture.