Swine Flu in Pigs

Has the recent outbreak been traced back to a farm?
Some have suggested that the H1N1 (swine) virus started on a pork farm near a "hot spot" in Mexico, but spokeswoman Keira Ullrich said the company has found no clinical signs or symptoms of the presence of H1N1 influenza in its swine herd or its employees. Dr. Alejandro Escobar Mesa, deputy director for the control and prevention of disease for the state of Veracruz, blames the local epidemic of common flu in La Gloria on a combination of viral and bacterial illnesses, caused by an unusually dry climate.

How does H1N1 spread among pigs?
H1N1 flu viruses are thought to be spread mostly through close contact among pigs and possibly from contaminated objects moving between infected and uninfected pigs. Herds with continuous H1N1 infections and herds that are vaccinated against H1N1 flu may have sporadic disease, or may show only mild or no symptoms of infection.

What are signs of H1N1 in pigs?
Signs of H1N1 flu in pigs can include:

• sudden onset of fever
• depression
• coughing (barking)
• discharge from the nose or eyes
• sneezing
• breathing difficulties
• eye redness or inflammation
• going off feed

How common is H1N1 flu among pigs?
H1N1 and H3N2 flu viruses are common among pig populations in the United States and something that the industry deals with routinely. Outbreaks among pigs normally occur in colder weather months (late fall and winter) and sometimes with the introduction of new pigs into susceptible herds.

Is my potbelly pig in danger?
Can I get it from my pet?

• There is no evidence at this time that the virus is in U.S. swine.
• Swine owners should learn the warning signs of H1N1. Signs of H1N1 in pigs can include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed. If your pig is showing any of these signs, call your veterinarian.
• Buy your animals from reputable sources and ensure that you have documentation of your new pet's origin. Be sure that you get your new animals checked by a veterinarian.
• Keep your pigs and areas around them clean. If you have been around other animals, make sure that you clean your shoes, clothing, and other items. And don't forget to wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling your pet.

Is USDA testing and monitoring to make sure swine are not infected with the virus and if so, how?
A network of Federal veterinarians, state animal health officials and private practitioners are regularly involved with monitoring U.S. swine for signs of significant disease. To date, there have been no reports that the influenza virus currently causing illness in humans is circulating anywhere in the U.S. swine herd.

As a proactive measure, USDA is reaching out to all state animal health officials to affirm they have no signs of this virus type in their state. USDA has put U.S. pork producers on a high alert for safety.

How will we be notified if farmers
find H1N1 in a U.S. herd?
Delivering factual, timely information is a priority for USDA. Should there be a detection of influenza in the U.S. swine herd, those results would be shared with the public in a timely fashion.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1?
Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent H1N1 influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from H1N1. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.

Why is it called swine flu?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the flu virus spreading around the world should not be called "swine flu" as it also contains avian and human components and no pig was found ill with the disease so far.

A more logical name for it would be "North-American Influenza," a name based on its geographic origin.  "The virus has not been isolated in animals to date. Therefore it is not justified to name this disease swine influenza."

According to Peter Cowen, associate professor of epidemiology and public health at North Carolina State University, the H1N1 virus is being called "swine flu" because of the 1918 outbreak in Spain. That virus, Cowen said, probably had a wild bird origin but nonetheless became known as the swine influenza virus because it caused significant mortality in both swine and human populations.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, USDA, World Health Organization, National Pork Board