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Question 288 - Why do we use .swine・ to talk about pigs?
Dear Graham

I keep reading about the swine flu. Why is it called swine flu? Why don・t doctors call it pig flu? Also, why do we say avian flu instead of bird flu?

Thanks
Thomas
Dear Thomas

Swine is a general name for animals that are part of the pig family, including boars and wild pigs. It is quite an old fashioned term.

Avian is an adjective for anything related to birds. You can also use .bird・ instead of avian. It is also common to call H5N1 bird flu.

e.g. I have to make a picture with an avian theme.
I have to make a picture with a bird theme.

Medical experts could say .pig flu・ and .bird flu・ but perhaps they like using more difficult words. My doctor talks about medical terms and rare diseases and expects me to know them. I nod as if I do and try to look them up on Google when I get home!

Regards
Graham

P.S. Kelvin asked about the difference between .prevent・ and .avoid・. Please check Question 260 for the answer.
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