Swine Flu - Semantic Confusion Results in Name Change

When naming a flu virus it is important to choose the right word or words in order to avoid confusing the general public and apparently "swine" is not the right word to represent the particular virus that has been in the news of late. Many people believe this virus can be contracted by eating pork because of its name. This confusion has had a negative impact on the agricultural industry and has led to the unnecessary slaughter of pigs. As a result of this confusion, World Health Organization spokesman, Dick Thompson has announced that they are, "going to stick with the technical scientific name H1N1 influenza A."