FAO urges countries to closely monitor H1N1 in pigs

After the detection of the A/H1N1 virus in pigs in Canada transmitted by a human, FAO has again urged national authorities and farmers to carefully monitor pigs and investigate any possible occurrences of influenza-like symptoms in domestic animals.

“The human-to-animal transmission that occurred in Canada does not come as a surprise as influenza viruses are capable of transmitting from humans to animals,” FAO’s Chief Veterinary Officer Joseph Domenech said.

“The Canadian event should therefore not be a matter of panic, but it should remind us of the human-animal link in virus transmission on which we definitely need to keep an eye.”

Influenza viruses, whether in humans or among animals, are constantly evolving genetically, along with changes in their ability to cause morbidity and mortality in humans or animals. Therefore the current A/H1N1 situation should be carefully monitored as many of the virus characteristics and developments are still unknown, Domenech said.

Surveillance for porcine respiratory disease should be intensified and all cases of porcine respiratory syndrome are recommended to be immediately reported to veterinary authorities. It is also recommended to inform OIE and FAO about any occurrence of outbreaks of the new A/H1N1 Influenza virus in pigs.

Strict biosecurity measures including restriction of movements of pigs, goods and people should be applied on all farms or holdings with swine showing signs of clinical respiratory illness until diagnosis of the illness has been made.

Source/Full Story:: FAONewsroom

Related Items

• What Is Food Grade Plastic?
  A very good resource: Definitions and direction on how to determine what p...
• Potato industry ‘at risk’ after latest outbreak of disease
  Source: Scotsman.com Business THE Scottish seed potato industry has ...
• E. coli outbreak spreads to three more states
  Via: CNN.comAn E. coli outbreak traced to recalled beef in Michigan and Ohi...
• Power restored to some California homes after quake
  Residents are cleaning up the damage caused by a 6.5-magnitude quake that s...
• US military: Survival, Evasion and Recovery, FM 3-50.3
  Source: WikileaksUS military: Survival, Evasion and Recovery, FM 3-50.3 us-...
• Minds rest easier with grain storages – Edmond Sun
  Minds rest easier with grain storagesEdmond Sun, OK - Apr 30, 200...
• County fairs’ cheap tickets lure big crowds
  Find county fairs @ http://www.countyfairgrounds.net/master/masterhome.html...
• Survival in the Snow
  Source: TheStar.comWhat should you do if you're stranded outside in -15C w...
• Certain Pepperoni Products From Cowichan Valley Meat Market May Contain Dangerous Bacteria
  Source: Canadian Food Inspection AgencyOTTAWA, July 28, 2010 - The Canadia...
• Wilderness Survival: Building and using a wilderness survival kit
  Covers: -approapriate attire for wilderness activities ("cotton kills") ...