WASHINGTON (AP) -- American agriculture officials want to change the name for the virus that's broken out in Mexico and the U.S. from "swine flu" to something else.The problem, they say, is that the name "swine flu" suggests a problem with pork products.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack points out that the virus is not food-borne and has nothing to do with consuming pork products.
Vilsack says he's concerned that misunderstandings could have a negative impact on farmers who provide pork products to consumers around the world.
Speaking Tuesday at a daily news briefing on the government's response to the outbreak, Vilsack said the American hog industry is sound and that consumers everywhere should know that U.S. pork products are safe.
Thanks a lot, American Agricultural officials. Now I have to call the virus, "Influenza A H1N1 North American/Human." That doesn't even make sense. If the pig farmer's lobbyists are going to make the government change the name, at least make it something sexy or cute. How about, "piglet pox," or C.Ropp's ever popular suggestion: Pork Fever?
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