The New Zealand Pork Industry Board was advising pig farmers to take precautions against their pigs catching swine flu, New Zealand media reported on Monday.

The virus, which is thought to have originated from pigs, has killed more than 80 people in Mexico, and has mostly affected healthy young adults.

New Zealand Board chief executive Sam McIvor said there has never been a case of swine influenza in pigs in New Zealand and humans cannot pick it up from eating pork or pork products, Radio New Zealand reported.

But he added pig farmers were worried about the potential for pigs to catch swine flu from humans.

He added that there have been examples of human flu being transferred to animals. In light of this the industry is advising commercial pig farmers and backyard operators to minimize movements on or off their farms and be vigilant.

McIvor said farmers can get more information from the industry website, including how they can identify influenza in their pigs.