July 2013 Articles

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Swine Influenza

Swine Influenza Dr. Tim Page LSU AgCenter
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that from July to August 31, 2012, 289 new cases of H3N2v flu virus were identified. One person has died, and more than 15 people had to be hospitalized. Most of the cases occurred in children who exhibited show pigs at county and state fairs. There has been discussion about discontinuing swine shows this year, but as of now they are not planning on cancelling any shows. There is basic information concerning the flu virus that everyone needs to be familiar with. The H3N2v is a relatively new strain of influenza that was first detected in people in the United States in July 2011. There are many types of flu, and H3N2v is just one of them. The letters and numbers distinguish different flu viruses. The “v” or “variant” designation is used when a virus that normally circulates in pigs is then found in humans. This relatively new H3N2v virus has acquired some key genetic components from the 2009 pandemic strain of influenza (pH1N1). The H3N2v appears to be spread primarily by direct contact with infected pigs and does not spread from person to person readily. Swine flu infection largely depends upon a person’s natural immunity and overall health. The CDC has made some recommendations for people who should avoid swine shows. This recommendation includes people with weak immune systems, such as children under the age of 5, people over 65 years old, pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions. It needs to be strongly emphasized that the H3N2v is NOT transmitted from eating pork or pork products. As LSU AgCenter Extension personnel, what are your 4-H exhibitors, FFA exhibitors, swine producers and even your own risks? It is a fact that H3N2v is in commercial hog operations as well as show pig operations. It is possible for producers, workers, exhibitors and agents to become infected. The H3N2v virus is very much like the seasonal influenza virus that causes fever, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The yearly seasonal influenza vaccine probably will NOT protect anyone against the H3N2v strain. To protect you, staff, 4-H exhibitors, FFA exhibitors and producers from becoming infected with H3N2v virus:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water before and after exposure to pigs.
Do not work with pigs if you feel ill with influenza-like symptoms.
Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth (ex: tobacco products) while in pig areas, and do not take food or drinks into pig areas.
If you have sick pigs, work with your local veterinarian on diagnosis and control of the disease.
If you or your clientele are going to be working around pigs, take some basic precautions such as protective clothing, gloves and face masks.
Proper hygiene is the most important criterion for anyone who will have contact with pigs.
I am not trying to alarm anyone with this article. I just want to make sure that everyone acts in a professional and cautious manner around pigs. Please educate your clientele on strategies they can use to avoid being infected with H3N2v