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Human Influenza A (H1N1) virus and swine influenza in pigs: Statement and Q&A
Animal Health Industry statement regarding the human influenza A (H1N1) virus and swine influenza in pigs
Statement and key messages:
The current spread of the human Influenza A (H1N1) virus:
The current outbreak of the human disease, first reported in Mexico, is caused by a reassorted influenza A virus, type H1N1, now known as the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. This virus is different from swine influenza viruses found in pigs, and it also contains genes from avian and human influenza viruses (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm ).
The current strain of this Influenza A (H1N1) virus is transmitted from person to person. There are no food-safety issues related to this Influenza A (H1N1) virus. It cannot be passed to humans through food, by eating properly cooked pork or pork products. In general, the influenza virus A is killed by temperatures of 160°F/70°C, by proper hygiene measures and by common disinfectants.
For further information on human health issues related to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus please check out the following websites: WHO - http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html), US CDC – Centres for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/, and the ECDC – European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/.
The virus was not apparent in pigs in Mexico during the initial outbreak in humans (see WHO). Scientific information available to the OIE (OIE press release on 30 April) and partner organizations indicates that the influenza A (H1N1) virus is being transmitted amongst humans; there is no evidence of infection in pigs, nor of humans acquiring infection directly from pigs.
There has now been a report that the influenza A (H1N1) virus may have been found in a swine herd in Alberta, Canada. Further testing is needed to more fully characterize the virus. It is highly probable that the pigs were exposed to the virus from a Canadian who had recently returned from Mexico and had been exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Taking a precautionary approach, the pigs have been quarantined – however all are recovering or have recovered. The safety of food is not affected and Canadian pork continues to be safe to eat – for m information please check the website of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency– http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/2009/20090502e.shtml
Swine influenza in pigs
Swine influenza in general is a respiratory disease affecting pigs caused by type A influenza viruses with low mortality rates amongst pigs. It is not the same virus that is currently passing from human to human, and that was first reported in Mexico. It can – on rare occasions – spread to humans and give transient human flu-type symptoms.
There is no one tool that will combat the disease in pigs, but a combination of good management practices, good hygiene and vaccinations can help combat swine flu among pigs.
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Vaccines containing type A swine influenza viruses and subtypes H1N1 and H3N2, are available and induce a strong protective immune response in vaccinated pigs.
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There is no evidence that swine influenza can be passed to humans through food, by eating pork or pork products. The swine influenza virus is killed by cooking at temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.
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The Animal Health Industry is following the developments closely, but has not been notified of any increased swine influenza among pigs at this point in time.
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Alert levels have been increased in manufacturing facilities, specific biosecurity measures have been put in place, and companies are remaining vigilant and working with authorities to help minimise any spread of the virus or introduction into the swine population. Companies have instigated response and preparedness plans.
Q&A related to Swine Influenza in particular
Q1. What is swine flu?
A1. Swine influenza is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by one of several type A influenza viruses. Mortality rates amongst pigs tends to be low (1-4%). Most commonly swine influenza viruses are of the H1N1 or H3N2 subtypes, but there are other subtypes circulating too. Pigs can also be infected with avian influenza viruses and with human seasonal influenza viruses, and can sometimes be infected with more than one virus at the same time, which allow genes from different viruses to mix, called a ‘reassortant virus’.
Although swine influenza viruses are normally species-specific and only infect pigs, they may on rare occasions cause disease in humans, but it is not common.
Q2. How does the current disease in humans first reported in Mexico relate to swine flu?
A2. The current outbreak of human disease, first reported in Mexico is caused by a reassorted influenza A virus, type H1N1 that contains genetic information from 2 different swine flu viruses, one avian flu virus and one human flu virus. (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm ).
Scientific information available to the OIE and partner organizations indicates that the influenza A (H1N1) virus is being transmitted amongst humans; there is no evidence of infection in pigs, nor of humans acquiring infection directly from pigs. There has now been a report that the influenza A (H1N1) virus may have been found in a swine herd in Alberta, Canada. It is highly probable that the pigs were exposed to the virus from a Canadian who had recently returned from Mexico and had been exhibiting flu-like symptoms. For further information please check the website of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/2009/20090502e.shtml .
Q3. What are the symptoms of swine influenza in pigs?
A3. Symptoms may include coughing (or “barking”), discharge from the nose, fever, sneezing, breathing difficulties, off their food.
Q4. How does swine influenza spread among pigs?
A4. It is mostly spread through airborne droplets (e.g. sneezing, coughing), direct and indirect contact among pigs, or with contaminated objects moving between infected and uninfected pigs. Outbreaks in pigs occur all year round, with an increase in occurrence in autumn/winter. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against swine influenza. The OIE has indicated that studies must be carried out to see how the Novel Influenza Virus A affects pigs, and if necessary to implement bio-security measures and possible vaccination to protect susceptible animals.
Q5. How is the disease prevented/managed in pigs?
A5. There is no one tool that will combat the disease, but a combination of good management practices, good hygiene and vaccinations can help combat swine flu among pigs.
Q6. Can humans catch swine flu from eating pork or eating any pig-by products?
A6. There is no evidence that swine influenza can be passed to humans through food, by eating pork or pork products. The swine influenza virus is killed by cooking at temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.
Q7. Which countries have been affected by outbreaks in pigs?
A7. The international distribution is not clearly known, but outbreaks have been known to occur in the past across the globe.
Tips on what you can do can be found on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
More information regarding influenza A (H1N1), human health and swine flu can be found on the website of the WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html and of the ECDC: http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/
More information on influenza A (H1N1) and swine influenza can be found on the website of the OIE: http://www.oie.int/eng/press/en_090427.html
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