Fortunately Pigs Can't Fly: Unfortunately Humans Can

I suppose the only positive feature about the new strain (A/H1N1) of Swine 'flu that has killed over 80 people in Mexico is that the primary focus species of the virus (the pig) is less mobile than birds, the generally infected animals in Avian 'flu outbreaks (http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N24524032.htm). Having said that, people contracting the disease may certainly be moved by air transport and cases have already been reported or suspected in the USA (in a wide number of states), Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain, Israel and Scotland. Most of the affected individuals had recently visited Mexico. Some countries, such as Russia, are banning travel to Mexico as well as the import of Mexican pork products. It is somewhat disturbing to learn that this novel virus is a strange mixture of swine, human and avian viruses. I suspect that this story will be a focus for, at best, several weeks and that's if it doesn't turn into something worse.