Page 2 of articles about influenza in Swine news

Following a request from The European Commission, the Panel on Animal Health and Welfare was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on current pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and its potential implications for animal health.

The Pork Checkoff, in cooperation with the USDA, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and participating diagnostic laboratories, will be launching a new campaign next month to encourage pork producers to participate in swine influenza virus (SIV) surveillance when their pigs show signs of respiratory disease.

China this afternoon gave notice that it is ready to accept imports of U.S. pork, following negotiations between Chinese and U.S. officials in March that led to an agreement in which China pledged to reopen its markets to U.S. pork. U.S. pork produced on or after May 1 can now be exported to China.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) had found in its regular influenza virus surveillance programme that one sample taken from a pig at the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse on January 7 contained a virus which was essentially a swine influenza virus but had picked up a pandemic H1N1 gene by genetic reassortment. There is no cause for alarm for public health and pork remains safe for consumption. Government is closely monitoring developments and shall continue to keep the public informed.

Indonesia has lifted a temporary ban on imports of pork and its by-products after they were ruled out being the source of human swine flu.

The pork sector recovered quickly from April's H1N1 epidemic. Pork production for 2009 have fallen by only 0.6% y-o-y.

In the last few days the OIE has reported on the appearance of cases of flu due to the A/H1N1 virus in swine herds in Japan and Serbia.

Following interventions by the Commission Belarus has lifted all temporary import restrictions, imposed on animals and animal products from certain EU Member States, based on measures due to pandemic H1/N1 influenza virus.

Capitol officials have put to premium public health and safety as they passed on first reading the proposed “pro-active measure” Ordinance that puts in place stringent regulation in the establishment of livestock farms, such as piggery and poultry.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed the first case of H1N1 in Russia's swine herd.

In the last few days the IOE has reported on the appearance of cases of flu due to the A/H1N1 virus in swine herds in Thailand and China while other sources have also reported its appearance in pigs in South Korea.

An international workshop will lead to improved diagnosis and surveillance of animal influenza in the Asia Pacific region.

The OIE has reported on a source of 2009 H1N1 flu detected at the end of April 2009 in a swine herd situated in the municipality of Colon, in the Mexican state of Queretaro. The outbreak was considered as finished during the month of May 2009.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed the first case of H1N1 in Germany's swine herd.

The A/H1N1 2009 influenza virus has been found for the first time in a commercial swine herd in Italy.

Pigs on a farm in Norfolk have been confirmed as positive to H1N1. This is the sixth case of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus, following earlier cases in Northern Ireland.