Hot Topics:

2009 H1N1 Influenza

Research Updates:

Four Pig Pathogenesis Study with the 2009 A/H1N1 Influenza A Virus -- ARS research conducted at the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) to investigate whether meat, blood and tissue from pigs infected with the new 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Virus is free of infectious virus. CONCLUSION: Live 2009 A/H1N1 Influenza A Virus was only detected in the respiratory tract of infected pigs and the virus does not appear to spread and replicate in other tissues based on the day 5 post infection samples.

Serologic Cross-reactivity of US Pig Serum against Novel H1N1 Influenza Virus -- ARS research to evaluate whether US commercial swine herds are susceptible to the new swine origin (S/O) H1N1 influenza virus. CONCLUSION: Pre-existing immunity induced by swine influenza viruses circulating in the US may not protect pigs against the new S/O H1N1 influenza virus presently circulating in people. Importantly, vaccines currently used to protect pigs in US swine operations against swine influenza virus may not be effective against the new S/O H1N1 influenza virus.

Pig Transmissibility and Pathogenecity Study -- Preliminary results of studies conducted in the EU to investigate the pathogenicity and transmissibility of the novel influenza A/H1N1-2009 virus in pigs. Preliminary analyses: Summary Conclusions -- Pigs are susceptible to infection with influenza A (H1N1) virus that results in the induction of detectable levels of clinical disease, virus shedding and pathology in an experimental setting. Importantly, mortality was not a feature and infected animals were able to transmit the virus to naïve contact pigs successively for at least three cycles of transmission, suggesting the virus could become established in susceptible pig populations if introduced.

Veterinary Resources:

Veterinary Talking Points -- Basic talking points regarding the human H1N1 influenza outbreak. Updated: 05/29/09

Key Points for Veterinarians -- Information targeting veterinarians. Last updated: 1:30pm EDT, 4/26/09

Influenza Sample Collection and Submission Protocol -- Dr. Kent Schwartz has provided these guidelines from the ISU VDL for collecting and transporting SIV diagnostic samples. Additional information on sample submissions to the ISU VDL can be found on their website at http://vetmed.iastate.edu/diagnostic-lab/user-guide.

Producers Resources:

Swine Exhibition and Show Recommendations -- Published by the Show Pig Working Group. Last updated: 5/18/09

Recommendations for producers -- Published by the National Pork Board. Last updated: 5:30pm EDT, 4/24/09

Influenza Fact Sheet -- Fact sheet produced by the National Pork Board. Good background information by Dr. Chris Olsen on swine influenza.

Miscellaneous Links:

ARS 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Virus -- USDA ARS 2009 H1N1 homepage.

USDA H1N1 Information -- USDA H1N1 website. Provides official information on the 2009 H1N1 Influenza outbreak from the Department of Agriculture.

CDC Influenza Investigation -- Official update from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

USDA Influenza Statement -- Statement from Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack. 4/26/09

Dr.Clifford's Request for Swine Case Reports -- Dr. John Clifford, USDA Chief Veterinarian, has requested state veterinarians and AVICs provide USDA with reports on any past or on-going cases of swine influenza.

Now online:

The July and August 2009 issue of the Journal of Swine Health and Production is now online. [July 1, 2009]

The AASV and National Pork Board have published revised guidelines (PDF) for on-farm euthanasia of swine. [March, 2009]

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have compiled the Biosecurity Protocols for the Prevention of Spread of PRRSV. Development of this manual was funded in part through a grant from the AASV Foundation. [February 17, 2009]

 The tonsil is the tissue of choice for Classical Swine Fever surveillance. This brochure (PDF) describes the proper technique for sample collection and submission. (Published with the assistance of USDA/APHIS.) [May 9, 2007]

The AASV has published a position statement regarding MRLs for pork exported to Japan. Also see the National Pork Board's database of MRLs. [October 12, 2006]

AASV Members -- look to the committee pages for information about targeted AASV activities. [July 14, 2006]

Animal Drugs @ FDA -- FDA database of all approved veterinary drugs. This web site replaces FDA's "Database of Approved Animal Drug Products," or Green Book, and is updated monthly. The application allows users to search for detailed descriptions of all FDA-approved animal drugs.

American Association of Swine Veterinarians
902 1st Ave
Perry, IA 50220-1703
USA

Phone: (+1) 515-465-5255
Fax: (+1) 515-465-3832
Email: aasv@aasv.org