Swine Influenza

Fact Sheet on Swine Influenza in Animals

OVMA has prepared the following fact sheet to provide veterinarians with information about the current outbreak of swine flu.


1. What is swine influenza?

Swine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease of pigs. The disease is commonly seen in North and South America, Asia and Europe. Illness is caused by type A Influenza viruses, which also affect a range of other animals, as well as humans.

2. How is the current outbreak of swine flu related to the swine influenza?

The current North American outbreak is being caused by a swine influenza virus strain that has not been previously identified in pigs. Genetic testing indicates that it is related to some known swine influenza viruses but also has genetic material from human and avian influenza strains. Because this virus is now being transmitted between people, some have suggested that it no longer be called 'swine influenza'.

The source of this virus has not been determined yet, however given the nature of the virus, it is presumed that it originated in pigs in Mexico. This is not certain, however, and it is possible that it originated in other species and/or other countries. While pigs were probably the initial source, human to human transmission is ongoing and is the source of virtually all newly identified cases.

3. Can cats and dogs become infected with swine flu?

This is currently unclear. Since this is a new virus, there has been no investigation of other potential animal hosts. While transmission to other species is unlikely, it cannot be discounted and it is prudent to assume that it is possible. Veterinary professionals should be on the lookout for clusters of respiratory infections and should take measures to prevent the spread of any such infection. This mainly involves the use of good, routine infection control practices when handling animals with suspected infectious diseases.

Reports in the media claim that the strain of swine flu detected in the current North American outbreak is a mutation of a strain of swine and avian influenza. Cats are susceptible to avian influenza and have been known to transmit the disease to humans.

4. What are the symptoms in pigs?

Signs of swine influenza include the following:

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Nasal discharge

• Difficulty breathing

• Reduced fertility or abortion

Swine influenza is not generally fatal. Affected animals usually recover within five to seven days.

5. How do pigs become infected?

Pig to pig transmission is the most common cause of infection. Pigs may also be infected by coming into contact with contaminated equipment, birds and humans.

6. How can pigs be protected?

The following actions can potentially prevent the spread of swine influenza:

• Vaccination

• Ensuring good hygiene amongst farm workers

• Following strict biosecurity practices

• Providing adequate ventilation in barns

• Identifying and segregating sick animals as early as possible

• Ensuring people that have, or have been exposed to influenza do not have contact with pigs

7. Does swine influenza affect food safety?

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, swine influenza is not a food safety concern.

Reminder: General tips to help prevent the spread of infectious disease

• Encourage staff members to stay home if they are sick

• Make sure all staff follow hand washing protocols

• Take the time now to improve hand sanitation access for both staff and clients (e.g., make hand sanitizers available in the waiting room and/or examination rooms)

• Enforce strict biosecurity measures both in-clinic and while on-farm. OVMA has put together biosecurity protocols for veterinarians and their staff. These biosecurity protocols are available on the OVMA web site at http://www.ovma.org/extra/biosecurity_program.html

• Remind producers to enforce strict biosecurity measures on their properties.

For further information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/swigri/swigrifse.shtml

The Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

National Pork Board
http://www.pork.org/

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

OVMA thanks Dr. Scott Weese, Pathobiology, OVC for his assistance and expertise in formulating this fact sheet. Dr. Weese can be reached at jsweese@uoguelph.ca