H1N1: Australia reports its first case on pig farm

The novel influenza A virus (H1N1) has been found in a pig herd in New South Wales, Australia, as a result of human-to-pig transmission.

In a press release, Australian Pork Limited (APL) CEO Andrew Spencer said, "This isolated incident is now being handled in accordance with exotic disease response procedures under the supervision of New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, with the health and wellbeing of the animals of paramount concern. We expect the animals affected to fully recover."

Spread

As to the spread of the disese, Spencer said, "The Influenza A/H1N1 (2009) virus has spread rapidly across Australia through person-to-person transmission and is affecting thousands of people."

"Though it is unfortunate that the virus has been detected in some pigs on just one farm, consumers have absolutely nothing to be concerned about," he said, quoting e.g. statements by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

Fourth occasion

After reported cases in Alberta and Quebec provinces (Canada) and Buenos Aires province (Argentina), this is the fourth occasion the disease is reported in pigs - the first time outside of the Americas.

Spencer emphasised that Australia is a world leader in on-farm biosecurity and said producers were expected to maintain their normal strict biosecurity measures and monitor their animals and staff, and that eradication of the disease at the single affected farm was now the objective.

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H1N1: Australia reports its first case on pig farm