Table of Contents
THE ESSENTIAL
- “Type A influenza viruses, responsible for influenza in pigs, are constantly evolving,” warns ANSES.
- The health authority was therefore asked to assess their risk of introduction and persistence in pig farms, as well as the risk of transmission between pigs and humans.
- Even if the risk of human-to-human transmission of swine viruses is low with the viruses currently circulating, she recommends “greater vigilance”.
Very common on farms, swine flu is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease. The latter is generally benign, but can be exacerbated or persist within a farm, which leads to health problems. “Like all influenza type A viruses (IAV), those responsible for influenza in pigs are constantly evolving,” reported the National Health Security Agency (ANSES). As a reminder, they represent a threat to animal but also human health. Indeed, to date, a human case of swine influenza virus flu has been detected in a breeder in Brittany in 2021, according to Public health France. In addition, as pigs can also be infected by human or avian influenza viruses, co-infection can facilitate the emergence of new so-called “reassortant” influenza viruses. “By combining the genes of several influenza viruses of different origins, they could become more virulent or facilitate their transmission to other species,” alerted ANSES.
Screening of animals on farms and compliance with biosecurity measures
Faced with the risks of type A influenza viruses, she carried out an expertise on the factors of introduction and persistence of these pathogens in a pig farm and their transmission between pigs and humans. Based on their review, live pigs, particularly young sows, are the most important source of introduction. In addition, the movements of animals between farms, between regions and countries and/or continents, are major contributors to the spread of these viruses and therefore to the emergence of reassortant viruses. “Humans are also a very important source of introduction of influenza viruses into pig farming,” can we read in the press release of Anses.
In order to reduce the risks of introduction and persistence, the agency recommends organizing screening of animals introduced into farms before their movements. Another piece of advice: respecting daily biosecurity measures on farms is essential, particularly when introducing animals. “The persistence of influenza viruses introduced into breeding is strongly conditioned by the immunological status of the pigs, the so-called ‘band’ breeding management, that is to say with animals of the same age and the same physiological stage and the structuring of buildings, particularly that of air circuits.”
Swine flu: “greater vigilance” is recommended by ANSES
In addition, even if the risk of inter-human transmission of porcine viruses is low with the viruses currently circulating, the health authority recommends “greater vigilance” by strengthening surveillance of influenza viruses in pigs and humans. “This means in particular continuing and improving collaborations and exchanges of information between all stakeholders: scientists and professionals (veterinarians, doctors, breeders, etc.).” ANSES also suggests studying the possibility of extending the SAGA (Active Surveillance of Avian Influenza) protocol to swine flu, which aims to detect early cases of transmission from animals to humans, in order to improve responsiveness.
For people working on pig farms, compliance with the recommendations of the High Authority of Health for vaccination against seasonal flu is essential. During the period when seasonal flu is circulating, breeders and other people in contact with pigs must also wear personal protective equipment: masks, glasses/visors, gloves, etc. Furthermore, French people showing flu symptoms should not enter farms.
Here are two potential PAA (Personally Answerable and Affecting) questions based on the provided interview excerpt:
## Interview: Swine Flu & Assessing the Risk
**Interviewer:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the concerning evolution of swine flu viruses and the potential risks they pose to both animals and humans. Joining us are two esteemed experts:
* **Dr. [Guest 1 Name]**, a leading veterinarian specializing in swine health, and
* **Dr. [Guest 2 Name]**, a virologist with expertise in influenza transmission.
Thank you both for joining us.
**Section 1: Understanding the Threat of Swine Flu**
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Guest 1 Name], let’s start by addressing the basics.
Can you explain why the continuous evolution of swine flu viruses is worrying from an animal health perspective? What specific challenges does it pose for pig farmers?
**Dr. [Guest 1 Name]:**
* (Answer)
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Guest 2 Name], from your perspective as a virologist, what makes these evolving swine flu viruses potentially dangerous for humans?
Are there particular genetic changes we should be particularly vigilant about?
**Dr. [Guest 2 Name]:**
* (Answer)
**Section 2: Preventing Transmission and Managing the Risk**
**Interviewer:** The article mentions the role of animal movement and biosecurity measures in controlling swine flu spread.
Dr. [Guest 1 Name], what specific biosecurity practices are essential for farmers to implement to minimize the risk of introducing and spreading these viruses within their farms?
**Dr. [Guest 1 Name]:**
* (Answer)
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Guest 2 Name], the article highlights the importance of inter-species surveillance. Can you elaborate on why this is crucial, and what kind of collaborative efforts between scientists, veterinarians, and public health officials are necessary to ensure effective monitoring?
**Dr. [Guest 2 Name]:**
* (Answer)
**Section 3: Personal Protection and Future Challenges**
**Interviewer:** The article recommends vigilance and personal protective equipment for people working with pigs.
Dr. [Guest 1 Name], what specific precautions should farm workers take, especially during flu season, to protect themselves and prevent potential transmission?
**Dr. [Guest 1 Name]:**
* (Answer)
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Guest 2 Name], looking ahead, what further research or preventative measures do you believe are crucial to mitigate the long-term risks associated with evolving swine flu viruses?
**Dr. [Guest 2 Name]:**
* (Answer)
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your expertise and insights. This valuable information will undoubtedly help our audience better understand the complexities of swine flu and the importance of proactive measures to safeguard both animal and human health.
