H1N1/09v ('swine flu')

On this page we provide facts from a veterinary perspective about all H1N1/09v strains, including the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus strain also known as 'swine flu'

'Swine flu' virus and animals

Some animal species are susceptible to human influenza viruses in general and the current pandemic strain is no exception. As well as livestock there have now been isolated cases of pets catching the current pandemic strain from humans.

If you fall ill with flu-like symptoms you should try limiting your contact with your pets.

Owners of pets, horses, pigs, fancy waterfowl and poultry should also prevent anyone suffering flu-like illness being in contact with their animals and report any signs of flu in their animals to their veterinary surgeon without delay.

Signs of flu may include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, runny nose and/or eyes, sneezing, coughing or changes in breathing.

Useful to know

there are now isolated cases of the pandemic virus type in UK pigs
the WHO has made it clear that there is no risk of contracting infection from eating pig meat
surveillance of the animal population remains critical in tracking the evolution of the virus - contact you vet if your animals show flu-like symptoms

Overall, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) states that “while the virus continues to spread among humans worldwide, the role of animals has not yet been demonstrated in the epidemiology or spread of the pandemic H1N1 2009.”

What's being done and other information

veterinary surgeons can access a short briefing document prepared by the Pig Veterinary Society
the pig industry, Defra and other government bodies have collaborated by drawing together Code of Practice for pig keepers
H1N1 vaccines previously used in pigs in America do not appear to protect pigs from the new virus
pig vaccine studies are on-going in the USA
although H1N1 symptoms in pigs are generally not life-threatening, there are implications for pig welfare
contingency plans have been drafted by the government to deal with the outbreak should it infect large numbers of workers in the food supply chain

Members can talk about the disease and related issues on the discussion forum