The import of all types of meat products from the United States and Mexico is banned in Kyrgyzstan now. Deputy Director of the Department of Veterinary Kubanychbek Musakeev explained [1] [ru], that the government imposed this restriction because of the worldwide spread of the swine flu. According to Musakeev's words the import of meat to Kyrgyzstan will be allowed again after the stabilization of the situation with swine flu.
Kyrgyz government has already set up a commission to monitor and to take urgent measures in case of swine flu among the population. The health control will be strengthened at the meat markets.
Despite the fact that we have a favorable situation with this disease, it is necessary to keep this issue under special control, prime-minister Igor Chudinov said.
Head of the Health Ministry, Marat Mambetov said [2] [ru], that there is still no registered case of the swine flu in Kyrgyzstan. He assured that his department holds all necessary measures to prevent the possible occurrence of this type of flu among the population.
According to words of the Chief Medical Officer of Kyrgyzstan Sabirzhan Abdikarimov, his department has the adequate supply of disinfectants and personal protection from swine flu.
More than weird decision of officials to ban the import of meat was commented by Diesel forum users.
Swine flu now spreads droplet from person to person. There is no reason to ban any kind of meat. The stupid bureaucrats are working in the department of veterinary. Really, was it difficult to ask epidemiologists and infectiologists about the sources and transmission of swine flu?, user Cosmopolit surprised [3] [ru].
User Oldman was [4] [ru] categorical:
They have no brains. The transmission of swine flu is not going through the pork meat.
According to the World Health Organization on April, 27, the number of cases was 1600, of which 103 cases ended in deaths (from 22 confirmed dead pig flu, the rest have symptoms similar to the disease).
World Health Organization published [5] [en] FAQ about swine flu. One quotation:
Is it safe to eat pork and pork products?
Yes. Swine influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The swine influenza virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.
In this case, it is not quite clear why the officials banned import of meat to Kyrgyzstan.