UK: Farmers urged to be vigilant after pig flu strain confirmed in human
This was first case of Influenza A(H1N2)v detected in a human in the UK, although it has been reported elsewhere, including in Europe and the US.
While the announcement initially prompted dramatic headlines and comparisons to the H1N1 ‘swine flu’ pandemic in humans of 2009, the NPA stressed that H1N2 was only transmissible from pigs to humans, but not from human to human.
"There is no evidence there is any risk to humans from either handling or eating pork", National Pig Association (NPA) chief executive Lizzie Wilson said. "The NPA understands that the UKHSA is investigating how this virus strain was contracted by a human and we await their conclusions".
There has been a marked increase in reports of flu in pigs in recent weeks and months.
Ms Wilson added: "Pig keepers should be vigilant to any signs of ill health amongst their animals and maintain high levels of hygiene and biosecurity when working with pigs. We also encourage the use of the APHA and SRUC free testing service and to consult the Code of Practice for Swine Influenza. If you are concerned, please consult your veterinary surgeon".
The message was reiterated by Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss. “We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans – which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important", she said.
"Through our animal and human surveillance systems, we work together to protect everyone. Pig keepers must also report any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet immediately".
UKHSA stressed that human infections with swine influenza viruses occur 'sporadically'. There have been 50 human cases of influenza A(H1N2)v reported globally since 2005, although none were related genetically to this strain.
Based on early information, the infection detected in the UK is different from recent human cases of influenza A(H1N2) elsewhere in the world, but similar to viruses in UK pigs, it said.
Swine influenza symptoms
Clinical signs in pigs can include:
Infected animals will usually recover in 5 to 7 days.
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