Many people have been asking if their pets are safe, as the so called “swine” flu virus spreads through the country.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that the virus “appears to present a low risk of infecting cats and dogs.” While the American Veterinary Medical Association indicated that “there is no evidence that pets are susceptible to this new strain of influenza.”

Even if there is no evidence at this time showing any risk to dogs and cats from the virus, owners of pet pigs, as well as pig farmers are being cautioned to watch their animal’s health closely during this outbreak. Precautions to limit transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa have been recommended.

The ASPCA advises keeping your pet pigs and swine on farms isolated from public contact. Influenza type A vaccines are readily available and highly recommended for healthy swine — something owners of Vietnamese Potbellies, African Pygmies and other pet pigs should consider.

In addition, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians recommends that visitors should not be allowed into swine production units, and for people to avoid any unnecessary contact with swine. There are many different causes of illness in pigs, so if your pet pig becomes ill, consult your veterinarian.

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