Swine Influenza
Swine Influenza is a disease of pigs caused by a virus (influenza virus). There are many different types of Influenza viruses which can also affect humans and birds.
If notifiable disease is suspected, contact the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office. Failure to do so is an offence
Current situation
The virus is present in all pig producing countries including NI and is considered endemic in the pig population. The most common type of virus found in pigs is Type A which can infect other species, including people. However, the strains of the virus involved are usually different.
Pigs have been described as ‘mixing vessels’ for the various influenza virus strains (including the strains causing avian influenza). This means that they may have a role in the spread of influenza viruses between species or in the development of new strains of virus.
Swine Influenza should not be confused with either Classical Swine Fever or African Swine Fever, which are different diseases.
Clinical signs
Clinical signs of the disease may include;
- dullness
- sneezing, coughing and difficulty breathing
- abortions (in some cases)
- increased discharge from eyes or nose
- high temperature
- loss of appetite
- weakness
- swollen and red eyes
Swine influenza is often seen in combination with other diseases. The disease can affect many pigs in a herd at the same time, but not all of them will show signs of illness.
Pig farmers are encouraged to be vigilant for unusual signs of respiratory disease in pigs and to contact their Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP) if they are concerned.
Pigs are unlikely to die from swine influenza, unless they are very young or have other infections. Infected animals will usually recover in 5 to 7 days.
If infected pigs are suffering from other respiratory diseases, the symptoms may be worse and they may take longer to recover.
How is the disease transmitted?
The infection is spread through direct contact between pigs.
When infected pigs sneeze or cough, they can spread the disease to nearby pigs.
The virus may survive in carrier pigs for several weeks without them showing any clinical signs. These carrier pigs can then be a source of infection for other pigs.
It can also be spread by wild animals and birds or indirectly via contaminated equipment, clothing, feed or water.
Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food.
What is the public health risk associated with this disease?
Swine influenza can occasionally transmit to humans, however this occurs rarely. Transmission usually occurs to people who have close contact with pigs. On rare occasions human-to-human transmission can occur.
You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products.
Prevention
Pig Farmers are reminded, as normal practice, to apply biosecurity and hygiene rules in order to reduce the risk that any virus enters a pig farm by means of movements of people, vehicles and any other material.
Further advice is contained in the Code of Practice agreed with Industry and DAERA.
Some other viral and bacterial pig diseases may cause similar disease signs, so a laboratory diagnosis may be required to confirm swine flu.
More useful links
Contacts
For more information, please contact the Food Standards Agency general enquiries line on 0330 332 7149.