Released April 30, 2009
BROOKINGS, S.D. -- Although the current H1N1 flu outbreak is a disease in humans that relies on human-to-human transmission, there is also the possibility that this virus could affect swine herds.
South Dakota State University specialists said that while the new flu virus has not been found in any swine, there is a possibility that it could be transmitted from infected workers to the pigs. The virus that is spreading in humans around the globe is a mutated flu virus that scientists have traced to flu viruses in humans, swine and birds.
South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service Swine Specialist Bob Thaler said following good biosecurity practices — as most pork producers are already doing — could help prevent the virus from infecting animals.
“Routine practices such as shower-in/shower-out, isolating and testing new animals, and not allowing entry of people who have been exposed to other pigs within the past 48 hours are effective in reducing the transmission of any disease, the flu included,” Thaler said. “Since this virus does use humans as a host, additional recommendations would be to severely restrict all visitors, especially those who have been to Mexico. Also, if any workers show symptoms of the flu, they need to be away from the swine operation for at least seven days.”
SDSU Extension Veterinarian Russ Daly said vaccination does not appear to be a very useful option since current swine influenza vaccines do not contain this strain of flu. However, by following good biosecurity practices, pork producers should be able to prevent the new strain from getting into their operations.
Thaler said an excellent reference for additional information is available online at http://www.extension.umn.edu/swine/porkcast/.
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http://agbionews.sdstate.edu/story.cfm?id=4708
Contacts: Bob Thaler, (605) 688-5435
Lance Nixon, (605) 688-4653, Lance.Nixon@sdstate.edu