USA - Swine farm workers urged to have “flu shots” to protect pigs

The Pork Checkoff has recommended that all swine farm workers get a flu shot in anticipation of the flu season, which runs from October to May. Dr. Liz Wagstrom, assistant vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff, said, “Producers and swine farm workers can reduce the risk of bringing the flu to the farm and infecting the pigs they care for by getting a flu shot.” Influenza viruses can be classified as type A, B and C. Type A influenza can be passed between people and pigs. “The flu shot contains two type A viruses that we want to prevent from spreading,” Wagstrom said. ”The vaccine also has a type B virus in the mix, but this type of virus is not of concern to the health of our pigs. Humans will develop antibodies against the flu virus two weeks after taking the flu shot.” Wagstrom recommends other practices to reduce infection of pigs with human influenza viruses. Among them is modifying sick-leave policies that encourage workers to stay away from the farm if they are suffering from acute respiratory infections. “Virus shedding is at its peak when the clinical illness is most severe but can last as long as the symptoms do and that is from three to seven days,” Wagstrom said. Good building ventilation and good hygiene also will reduce transmission of the flu viruses. Wagstrom said, “To prevent pigs and humans from other species’ influenza viruses, producers also should look at bird-proofing their buildings, treating the water if there is a chance it can be contaminated with bird fecal material, protecting feed from birds and enforcing biosecurity practices such as the use of farm-specific clothing and footwear.” Through an influenza fact sheet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said all people can get a flu shot beginning Oct. 24. Priority groups, including people over 65 years of age, children younger than 23 months of age, pregnant women and people suffering of a chronic illness or caring for infants can get the flu shot or an alternative vaccine before this date.