Jennifer Koeman National Pork Board

Publish Date: April 5, 2012

Euthanasia is the humane process whereby the pig is rendered insensible, with minimal pain and distress, until death. Euthanizing agents cause death by three basic mechanisms: (1) hypoxia (lack of oxygen), direct or indirect; (2) direct depression of nerve cells in the brain necessary for life function; and (3) physical disruption of brain activity and destruction of nerve cells necessary for life.

Publish Date: April 5, 2012

Bloodborne pathogens (BBP) are microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Swine pathogens are NOT defined as BBP – even those that are zoonotic (can be transmitted to humans). Pork producers are not required to comply with OSHA Bloodborne pathogens standard (also known as 1910.1030). However, pork producers should be aware of BBP because workers may be exposed to human blood or in the event of an injury.