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Animal Health Australia

Swine Flu

This information has been updated following the confirmation of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 2009 virus infection in pigs in a piggery in NSW on 31 July 2009.

Pig owners should maintain strict biosecurity procedures on their properties and report anything unusual in their herds to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888.

Both national and international food authorities continue to stress there is no evidence to suggest influenza can be transmitted to people through eating pork products.

Links

Australian Government – Outbreak

NSW Department of Primary Industries

Australian Pork Limited

Food Standards Australia New Zealand

SA Department of Health

Frequently asked questions

What is swine influenza?

Swine Influenza is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. Influenza in pigs is characterised by high morbidity and low mortality.  Swine influenza in pigs occurs in most other pig-producing countries in the world, and is considered endemic in the United States of America and Mexico.

Internationally pig influenza outbreaks occur year round and many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against swine influenza. 

Normally Swine influenza viruses are species specific but sometimes swine influenza will cause disease in people.  International outbreaks and sporadic infections in people (swine to people) have been reported occasionally in the past, but rarely has infection been reported to spread from person to person.

Why is there current concern about swine flu?

The World Health Organisation has reported there is significant human to human transmission of a novel influenza virus in young to middle aged people. This new influenza virus was initially referred to as swine influenza because it was initially thought that it may have originated in pigs.  The World Health Organisation is now calling the virus Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 2009 because it is being described as a new subtype of H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans.

It is a new strain of the influenza A virus involving components of swine, avian and human influenza viruses.

It is a human health risk because it is being transmitted from human to human.

Is Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 linked to swine influenza?

The genetic structure of the virus indicates that it contains fragments of virus of the type that normally infect pigs.  However, there is no evidence that pigs are involved in the current disease outbreak as a source of infection to people.  The virus also contains fragments of avian influenza and human influenza viruses.

Is it safe to eat pork and pig meat products?

Yes.  The virus is confined to the respiratory tract and does not get into the meat.  The World Health Organisation advises that swine influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating pork and pork meat products.

What should I do as a pig producer?

This novel virus can infect pigs if they come into contact with an infected person but there have been no verified reports of infection transferring from pigs back to people.   This emphasises the need for good biosecurity on your piggery to prevent possible contact between your pigs and people who may have the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.

  • Enforce and maintain good on-farm biosecurity procedures
  • Be vigilant with disinfection and cleaning when people enter and leave the farm
  • Do not admit people who have been in contact with people with ‘flu-like symptoms at any time in at least the last 3 days (during this time, they will either become sick themselves or they are not infected)
  • Do not allow people who have (or have had) ‘flu-like symptoms to come in contact with pigs while they are sick and for at least 3 days after they have fully recovered
  • Further advice is available from the PIRSA Animal Health team.

What would swine influenza look like in my pigs?

In the Australian herd which has had no previous exposure to swine influenza, swine influenza would typically be expected to manifest as a sudden onset in pigs of all ages:

  • Pigs going off feed
  • Sudden onset high fever
  • Discharge from eyes and nose, sneezing
  • Breathing difficulties and a barking cough
  • Huddling and inactivity

In general with swine influenza, a large number of pigs is likely to be affected (up to 100%) but only a small number are likely to die (1-4%).

However the situation in the NSW piggery is a little different.  The virus in the piggery has been confirmed as Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 2009, the same virus circulating in people in Australia and many overseas countries.  The pigs in the piggery showed very mild clinical signs and many are already starting to recover.  In all affected age groups between 5% and 10% of pigs developed a cough about 3-5 days after infection.  Some pigs were depressed but elevated temperature (fever) was not an obvious sign.

The pig industry and the Australian and State governments have agreed to a nationally coordinated response to control and eliminate the infection in this piggery.

If your pigs show these symptoms then you should consult immediately with your veterinary advisor, local PIRSA Animal Health staff or call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.