The UN body also suggested governments inform any occurrence of outbreaks of the new A/H1N1 Influenza virus in pigs to international agencies concerned.

Strict bio-security measures including restriction of movements of pigs, goods and people should be applied on all farms or holdings with swine showing signs of clinical respiratory illness until diagnosis of the illness have been made, the FAO said in a press release published on Monday.

Where A/H1N1 influenza is confirmed, movement restrictions should be in force for seven days after the last animal has recovered, the agency said.

Governments are required to provide full support in improving bio-security measures particularly to small and medium pig farmers, it emphasized.

Persons who work directly with swine should be urged not to go to work if they have any signs of respiratory disease, fever or any influenza-like illness, while animal handlers and veterinarians should wear protective clothing to minimize the risk of being infected, it said.

The FAO also stressed that there is absolutely no need to slaughter animals in view of preventing circulation of the A/H1N1 virus.

The UN organization said the A/H1N1 virus cannot be transmitted to humans by pork or pork products, which will not be a source of infection under good hygienic standard.

-- Click for more news in Tech Max >>

Editor:Yang Jie