Hog cholera (swine cholera) or classical swine fever is a common disease in pigs and is caused by pestivirus. This disease can be transmitted between pigs quickly, either through direct or indirect contact. The question is, is hog cholera can be transmitted to humans?
Hogcholera classified as a dangerous animal disease because it can kill pigs quickly. Even in a number of pig farms hit by the virus hog cholera, Pig deaths occur en masse. This also makes many people doubt or stop eating pork for fear of contracting it.
Instead of guessing about whether or not the disease is possible hog cholera transmitted to humans, consider the following facts.
Can Humans Be Infected With Swine Virus Hog Cholera?
Virus transmission hog cholera from pigs to pigs generally occurs through direct contact, namely from infected pigs hog cholera to healthy pigs, either through saliva, semen, nasal mucus, urine, or feces.
Besides, disease hog cholera can be transmitted between pigs indirectly, namely through intermediary work clothes worn by livestock managers, places to drink or eat pigs, cages, or means of transportation, such as motorbikes, carts, and tractors, which are on the farm.
In pigs, this virus causes fever, loss of appetite, weakness, red eyes, diarrhea, and unsteady walking. The ear, belly, and inner thigh areas of pigs infected with this virus are also likely to become purplish.
Until now, the transmission of the virus hog cholera only occurs between pigs. There is no evidence that hog cholera can be transmitted to humans. Worried about the risk of getting infected hog cholera in humans may arise because this virus can survive in frozen pork for months or even years.
There is no human risk of infection so far, even if you eat meat that has been infected. However, you still have to pay attention to the safety of processing pork that will be consumed by cooking it until it is cooked.
Anticipation Needs to be Done against Virus Hog Cholera
Virus hog cholera it does not affect the health of the human body. However, there are several health protocols that need to be carried out to anticipate the emergence of certain diseases at this time hog cholera epidemic, including:
- Temporarily limit pork consumption, especially in areas that are being hit by an epidemic hog cholera.
- Avoid visits to infected pig farm areas hog cholera.
- Avoid contact with pigs or other animals in areas where the virus is spreading hog cholera, including the enclosure or transportation equipment therein.
- Wear personal protective equipment if you are assigned to clean or spray disinfectant in the pigsty.
If you really want to eat pork, it is recommended to choose pork products that have legal certification. Then, store and cook the meat properly. Pork that is consumed raw or undercooked is at risk of causing helminth infections and hepatitis E.
Information about swine virus hog cholera can be transmitted to humans has not been proven, so you do not need to worry too much. To be sure, you still have to anticipate the spread of this virus if the pig population in your area is hit by an epidemic hog cholera.
If anticipatory steps have been taken, but you experience health problems after contact with pigs that look sick or after eating pork, immediately consult a doctor for proper treatment.
