Date: Mon 4 May 2009
Source: OIE Press Release [edited]
<http://www.oie.int/eng/press/en_090504.htm>
OIE comments on the findings of "A/H1N1" in pigs in Canada
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The Veterinary Services of Canada announced on Sat 2 May 2009 that a
pig farm in Alberta, Canada had been infected with the "A/H1N1
virus." The infection is probably linked with the entry of a
carpenter having worked at the farm. The carpenter had flu symptoms
after a short stay in Mexico. He has now recovered. More
investigations are still ongoing.
Some pigs at the farm went off feed and showed respiratory symptoms.
The Canadian Veterinary Services decided immediately to put the farm
under quarantine. The sampled pigs tested positive to the "A/H1N1
virus." It was a mild disease and the pigs have now recovered.
According to OIE regulations this event has the status of emerging
disease and Canada is preparing an official notification to the OIE.
Because of the exceptional nature of this event and in order to make
appropriate additional scientific investigations, the Canadian
authorities may decide to maintain the farm under quarantine.
Furthermore, the OIE is waiting for the results of scientific
experiments aimed to determine the susceptibility of different animal
species vs the "A/H1N1" isolated in infected humans. This information
is awaited within the following days and will be published as soon as
available.
All previous recommendations made by the OIE before this event in
pigs in Canada remain valid, including the implementation by
Veterinary Services of biosecurity measures to protect animals from
human infections as well as strengthening relevant animal surveillance.
[Maria Zampaglione]
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