Get Your Flu Vaccine So You, Your Family and Your Pigs Stay Healthy

The Flu Epidemic of 2013 is all over the news lately.  Currently 47 states are at widespread epidemic levels. A lot of the articles I have ran across about the flu include reminders to get your flu vaccine and what to do to prevent, but I didn't expect to see something in my latest Pork Checkoff enewsletter about getting the flu vaccine to help with herd health.

Some of our pigs saying hello!

But it makes sense, doesn't it!  Getting the flu vaccine not only protects the farmer, but their animals too.  Many of the articles I have ran across remind people to stay home if they have the flu so it doesn't spread.  Well, farmers have to work through all sorts of conditions, that includes being sick at times.  Getting the flu vaccine and doing preventative measures such as washing our hands, keeping equipment and buildings clean, and wearing farm-specific clothing and boots, can help keep us and our hogs healthy.  We, along with other pork producers, pride ourselves on producing quality, affordable pork in clean and healthy environments every day, 365 days a year.  So for the health of yourself, your family and your pigs - remember to get your flu vaccine and enforce bio-security practices!