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Swine Flu

What is the swine flu that people are talking about?

The human influenza disease of concern around the world at the moment called 'swine flu' originated in Mexico and is primarily a human health issue. It is not a food safety issue.

It is being described as a new variation of the H1N1 subtype of influenza A that combines elements from known swine, avian and human influenza viruses. For this reason it misleading to be called 'human swine influenza' as it is spreading from human to human.

The precise origin of the virus is still unknown.

For information on swine flu in people contact the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on 1800 358 362 (1800 FLU DOC) or the Tasmanian Government's Pandemic website: www.pandemic.tas.gov.au

Swine Flu in Pigs Update (3 August 2009)

The diagnosis of Influenza A in a pig herd in NSW does not immediately increase the risk of swine flu in pigs in Tasmania. The NSW DPI is conducting further tests to investigate the situation. In the meantime and as a precaution, everyone who owns a pig or works with pigs in Tasmania should ensure they practise strict biosecurity. This includes hobby farmers or others with a backyard pig.

Don’t allow anyone with flu-like symptoms to have any close contact with your pigs. If you have staff with flu-like symptoms, send them home. If you have visitors, tradesmen etc with flu-like symptoms, keep them well away from your pigs;
Before anyone has any close contact with your pigs, check whether they or any family members have had flu-like symptoms in the last 7 days or have had close contact recently with anyone that has had flu-like symptoms;
Keep a record of who comes in contact with your pigs, where your pigs have come from and where they go to;
Visitors who have close contact with your pigs should be wearing clean clothing and boots. Make sure there are hand and boot washing facilities for them to use before and after handling your pigs, and that those facilities are used;
All equipment used on your pigs should be clean and stay on your property unless the item is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between properties;
Vehicles moving pigs on to and off your property should be clean;
Keep a close eye on your pigs and report any flu-like symptoms to your vet or to the DPIPWE emergency animal disease hotline 1800 675 888.

What is swine influenza in pigs?

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. The current case in NSW is the first time the Influenza A virus has been diagnosed in Australian pigs.

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

Although normally swine influenza viruses are species specific sometimes swine influenza will cause disease in people. International outbreaks and sporadic infections in people (pigs to people) have been reported occasionally in the past. Only rarely has infection been reported to spread from person to pig.

Is swine influenza in pigs in Australia?

Prior to the current case in NSW, Swine Infuenza in pigs had never been reported or detected in Australia. Influenza A has now been diagnosed in one pig herd in New South Wales. The property has been quarantined and the NSW DPI is conducting further tests.

Is it safe to eat pork and pig meat products?

Yes. The World Health Organisation advises that swine influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating pork and pork meat products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe as cooking pork to temperatures of 70°C kills influenza virus.

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%).

Swine influenza in pigs is a notifiable disease in Tasmania. If your pigs show these symptoms then you should consult with your veterinary advisor or contact the Department of Primary Industries and Water immediately on 03 6233 6875 or the Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888.

Source: Adapted from information provided by Primary Industries and Resources South Australia and Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Tasmania Online | Service Tasmania

This page - http://www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/LBUN-7RL7FT?open - was last published on 3 August 2009 by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. Questions concerning its content can be sent to BPI Enquiries by using the feedback form, by mail to GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001, or by telephone to 03 6233 6634.

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