Rep. Jerry Moran has sent a letter to major news broadcasting companies requesting that they stop referring to the H1N1 virus as “swine flu.” He noted that the labeling has “magnified” the pork industry’s ongoing economic woes, which is expected to grow to $1.89 billion in losses by the end of the year. In 2008, Kansas’ gross swine market was $406 million, 10th in the U.S.
On the brighter side for pork, the National Pork Producers Council announced today that China has lifted its ban on U.S. pork imports. China implemented the ban in late April in wake of the outbreak of H1N1 flu. China was the No. 3 destination for U.S. pork in 2008, when nearly 400,000 metric tons worth nearly $690 million was exported to the Asian country, according to the NPPC.
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Why would the networks want to stop using a buzzword that inspires fear, thus prompting viewers to tune in? Instead, Mr. Moran should appeal to the networks to educate Americans via public service announcements that swine flu isn’t transmitted by swine. Personally, until someone actually dies from eating baby back ribs, I remain undeterred.
Use the original name, Mexican Flu. We already have an Asian Flu.
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