INFLUENZA
H1N1Veterinarian Guidance #1
Interim Recommendations for Monitoring and Reporting
Influenza A H1N1 in Pigs
Posted 5/5/09
PLEASE NOTE: This is a rapidly evolving situation.
This alert provides interim guidance.
Guidance is likely to change in the upcoming days and
weeks as more information becomes available.
BACKGROUND
A new variant of the influenza A (H1N1) virus,
previously called swine flu, has been detected in humans
Los Angeles County, other parts of California, and a
number of other states and countries. We expect this
type of flu will continue to spread. In the U.S., those
with this virus have had only mild or moderate symptoms.
TRANSMISSION
Although the 2009 H1N1 flu virus has been called "swine
flu", there are no reports of this specific virus being
found in swine or other animals in the United States.
The hypothesized transmission is human to human, with no
evidence for pig to human transmission. The virus is not
transmitted by eating pork. This virus has been found to
contain components from a variety of flu viruses and is
different from conventional swine flu.
There have been no local or national reports of unusual
illness from this new H1N1 influenza in pigs, but there
have been reported swine infections in Canada. In that
case, the pigs appear to have contracted the infection
from an ill worker that had recently returned from
Mexico.
SURVEILLANCE AND REPORTING
Individuals who have flu-like symptoms should not work
with swine. Also, if you see any sick pigs with clinical
signs consistent with flu or any pigs that die acutely
from unknown causes, please contact Veterinary Public
Health and Rabies Control at 562-401-7088. Please also
complete and submit a report on the case using
this form or by using our
online portal for professionals.
The clinical signs of conventional swine flu in pigs
include:
Sudden onset of fever
Coughing (barking)
Discharge from the nose or eyes
Sneezing
Breathing difficulties
Eye redness or inflammation
Depression
Going off feed
The Los Angeles County Department of
Public Health wants to encourage animal health workers
to remain updated on the latest information about this
virus. Please visit frequently both this page and the
main homepage for the department (available
here).
BROCHURES and PREVENTION
RESOURCES
Please read, post, and distribute the following
educational information about the new H1N1 virus.
Influenza A H1N1 in Humans
General Information
Educational brochures
Information on conventional Swine Flu (NOT about
the new virus)
Swine Flu in Pigs and People
Video
YouTube:
LA County Dept of Public Health
WEBSITES
Los
Angeles County Department of Public Health
California
Department of Public Health
Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
California Department of Food and Agriculture
