October 27, 2009

Dear news producer:

In recent days I have noticed that major news networks have continued to incorrectly reference the H1N1 virus as "swine flu".  While "swine flu" may roll off the tongue of your news anchors more easily than H1N1 influenza, this simple error negatively impacts many farm families in Kansas and across the nation.  I respectfully request that in future news reports, your reporters and news anchors refer to this disease by the proper name, H1N1.

Despite a statement by the World Organization for Animal Health that there is no evidence that this disease originated from animals or that animals have contributed to its spread, the news media continues to mislabel this virus.  Although news outlets may find it catchy, the continued use of the term "swine flu" confuses consumers and leads them to believe that pork is unsafe to eat.  A survey by the National Pork Board indicates that at one point this spring 25 percent of consumers thought they could catch H1N1 influenza from eating pork products.  The myth that H1N1 causes pork to be unsafe to eat has been effectively combated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but every time the nightly news or a morning paper references the H1N1 virus as "swine flu" it reinforces the false belief that pork is unsafe.

The mislabeling of H1N1 could not come at a worse time for the pork industry.  Already suffering from falling demand attributable to a shrinking economy, the economic plight of pork producers was magnified by the mislabeling of H1N1 as "swine flu".  Recently the House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on the economic conditions facing the pork industry.  During that hearing the Committee learned that H1N1 has led to nearly $1.317 billion in lost revenue for the U.S. pork industry over the last six months.  This number is projected to increase to $1.89 billion by years end.  This loss of revenue not only affects pork producers, but also the local rural communities where the producers live.

Based on this information, I hope you will discontinue your use of the term "swine flu" to reference the H1N1 virus.  My request is simple, but it can have a profound impact on the future of the pork industry.

Very truly yours,

Jerry Moran