Unfair to Pork Industry
The eyes of the world are firmly on Mexico as the source of the Swine-flu – as it has been named. But many in the pork industry are asking if the outbreak could be renamed the ‘Mexican’ influenza. Already there are predictions that a sharp decline in pork chops and pork products in general is imminent. No doubt the importing of pork from various North and South American countries will be under discussion. Significantly, medical authorities have tried to emphasize that it is not through eating properly cooked pork that swine flu is contracted.
Muslim and Jewish communities have also voiced their sensitivities regarding the given name – swine-flu. In Israel the Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman said the reference to pigs is offensive to both religions and “we should call this Mexican flu and not swine flu.” Both Judaism and Islam believe that pigs are unclean and as such it is not a meat that is consumed.
But it looks like the name wont be changed and has even caused a bit of diplomatic concern. On Tuesday, Mexico’s ambassador to Israel lodged a complaint to the Israeli Foreign Ministry protesting against the suggestion that the name ‘Mexican Flu’ be used to describe the viral illness. I found another post that discusses similar issues. And it suggests that any changes to the name is like putting lipstick on the pig . So, whilst a shame for those in the pork industry, it looks like it is going to remain ‘Swine – Flu” for the duration of this global spread.
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