The OIE has confirmed that there were 3000 susceptible cases of H1N1 in pigs in an Indiana swine herd.
The USDA, Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS), and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) are conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation of the event.
On 22 October samples from sows experiencing influenza-like illness at the facility were submitted to the University of Minnesota Laboratory for evaluation by the farm’s attending veterinarian(s). On 29 October there was presumptive detection of 2009 H1N1 was reported to APHIS and laboratory samples submitted to USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). On 2 November 2009 NVSL confirmed cases novel (pandemic) A/H1N1 2009 influenza virus.
Information points to a recent exposure of the pigs with facility caretakers who were exhibiting influenza-like symptoms. The producer has implemented biosecurity measures including prohibiting sick people from having direct contact with the herd to prevent further potential human to animal transmission.
Recovered healthy pigs are being sent to slaughter through normal marketing channels and State public health officials have been notified of the situation
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