Abstract
Infection of pigs with influenza viruses is a cause of considerable economic loss for pig farmers as well as a potential human health concern - as evidenced by the identification of genetic material derived from swine-adapted influenza viruses in an novel strain of H1N1 influenza virus in 2009. A study was conducted investigating the prevalence of influenza virus infection in a selection of 143 English pig herds between April 2008 and April 2009, which found evidence of recent virus circulation in over half of these herds (n=75). Farms which were sampled in the Summer months were found to have lower odds of recent virus circulation, as were farms containing pigs kept in straw yards. Additionally, farms containing pigs kept indoors and farms containing high numbers of finisher pigs per water space were found to have higher odds of recent virus circulation. It is hoped that further studies will expand on these findings, and may allow targeting of surveillance for influenza viruses in the English pig population.
Highlights
Influenza A viruses are the cause of considerable morbidity and mortality in humans and animals worldwide
2,780 sera derived from 146 farms were tested using haemagglutination inhibition (HI)
Farms with large numbers of finishers per water space had a higher likelihood of positivity than those with fewer pigs per water space; farms containing pigs kept indoors had a higher likelihood of seropositivity than those which did not; and farms containing pigs in straw yards had a lower likelihood of seropositivity than those which did not
Summary
Influenza A viruses are the cause of considerable morbidity and mortality in humans and animals worldwide. Disease associated with swine influenza virus (SIV) infection of pigs has been recognised as an important cause of economic loss to pig farmers [3] [4]. Pigs are proposed to have been involved in the production of the pandemic strain of H1N1 influenza virus in 2009[8] [9] [10], with all of the progenitor viral genes identified as circulating in pigs for over ten years prior to transmission to humans[11]. This identified an increased likelihood of farm seropositivity for farms sampled in autumn, winter or spring months, for farms with more than 18 pigs per water space, and for farms rearing pigs indoors. Variable Pig access to water 18finishers or less per water space More than 18 finishers per water space Season of sampling Pigs sampled in the Summer months (JulySeptember) Pigs sampled at other times of the year Housing type No pigs kept indoors At least some pigs kept indoors No pigs kept in straw yards At least some pigs kept in straw yards
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
