New pig virus infects farmworkers

26 February 1998

New pig virus infects farmworkers

SCIENTISTS in Australia have found a new pig virus which can infect humans. The virus causes deformities and stillbirths in pigs.

Two farmworkers have been infected. In humans, the disease takes on severe flu-like symptoms.

The virus was not found in pig products, but there is concern about the implications for transplanting pig organs into humans.

• The Times 26/02/98 page 9
  
• The Daily Telegraph 26/02/98 page 15