Mexican health officials have reported human cases of severe respiratory illness, some of which tested positive for H1N1 influenza, in Mexico.

Cases of H1N1 have also been reported in the United States of America, Canada and abroad.

It is important that people take steps to educate themselves about the virus and infection control techniques in the event the disease is discovered in Saskatchewan.

H1N1 virus  is not a food safety concern. Pork products are safe to eat when, as with all meat, they are cooked to proper temperatures. 

Saskatchewan Agriculture staff are working closely with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association and industry organizations to monitor this situation.

April 24, 2009 - Animal Health Unit Notice - Be Aware of Influenza-Like Illness in Swine Herds
In Mexico and the USA there is an outbreak of influenza in people that is affecting young adults with rapid onset of severe clinical illness. Fatalities have been reported in Mexico. An influenza virus involved has been identified as an H1N1 type of swine influenza, but the human outbreaks are not associated with swine contact.
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=58726853-4314-44dc-8b06-e7851be3d92f

April 29, 2009 - Statement by Ministers Day and Ritz on Human Swine Influenza
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today issued the following statement on human swine influenza and the measures being taken by Canada to safeguard the health of Canadians and the Canadian pork industry:
http://w01.international.gc.ca/MinPub/Publication.aspx?lang=eng&publication_id=387106&docnum=115

May 2, 2009 - An Alberta Swine Herd Investigated for H1N1 Flu Virus
OTTAWA, - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) indicates that it has found H1N1 flu virus in a swine herd in Alberta. The safety of the food supply is not affected and Canadian pork continues to be safe to eat.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/2009/20090502e.shtml

May 4, 2009 -  Statement by Minister Ritz Regarding the Impact of H1N1 Influenza A on Pork Producers
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today issued the following statement regarding the impact of the H1N1 Influenza A on Canadian pork producers.
http://www.agr.gc.ca/cb/index_e.php?s1=n&s2=2009&page=n90504

May 7, 2009 - Saskatchewan Confirms Two Human Cases OF H1N1 Flu Virus
Two cases of human H1N1 flu virus have been confirmed in Saskatchewan.
http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=3f5d1b6a-a336-4568-be54-bc44dcdbf381 

August 26, 2009 - Bjornerud Supports H1N1 Naming Agreement
Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud is pleased to support the joint statement signed at the recent Tri-National Agriculture Accord in Gimli, Manitoba, regarding use of the correct terminology for H1N1. The statement was signed by delegates from Canada, the United States and Mexico.
http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=52b8939d-1585-4910-b9bb-5305963182ce

H1N1 virus national website:

• http://www.fightflu.ca/ 

Saskatchewan Health:

• Influenza http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/influenza-flu
  
• Update on the Influenza Situation http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/influenza-monitor

Canadian Pork Council

• H1N1 Influenza A discovery in livestock not a food safety issue 
  http://www.cpc-ccp.com/documents/ReleaseH1N1ANRLMay3.pdf
  
• CPC And CSHB Encourage Producers To Review And Strengthen Existing Biosecurity Practices To Prevent The Introduction Of The New Influenza Virus Into Canadian Operations
  http://www.cpc-ccp.com/documents/influenzavirusandincreasebiosecurity.pdf

CFIA 

• Advice for Veterinarians and Swine Producers (CFIA)
  http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/swigri/swigrifse.shtml
  
• Questions and Answers (CFIA)
  http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/swigri/queste.shtml 
  
• Food Safety Facts for Consumers (CFIA)  
  http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/swigri/fooalie.shtml