Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

[FrenchieGirl]

Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected
By Pork news staff | Sunday, July 05, 2009

The second case where humans have exposed swine with the Type A H1N1 influenza virus has surfaced in Argentina. An government spokesperson in the country said the case is not fully confirmed, but it is suspected that humans passed the virus on to the pigs.

The first case of pigs being exposed appeared on a farm in Canada. A suspected worker eventually was cleared following blood tests, but Canadian officials did not rule out the prospect that a human infected the animals. So far the virus spread has occurred human to human across the globe.

"Our theory is that the pigs were infected by the farm workers who had flu symptoms a week before the pigs started to show symptoms," Reuters reported the Argentine government spokesperson as saying.

About 800 pigs with in the herd tested positive for Type A H1N1 flu. However, the two workers who may have passed the virus on to the pigs were never examined by a doctor so it was never confirmed that they carried flu strain.

The farm, located in Buenos Aires province, was quarantined and since June 24, additional testing has shown the herd to be negative for the virus.

As the peak flu season in the Southern Hemisphere approaches with winter, many there are increasingly concerned about this new flu virus and how it might unfold. The country's Health Ministry has confirmed 1,587 Type A H1N1 cases and 26 deaths.

Source: Reuters

[HenryN]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

Senasa health warning by the emergence of influenza A in swine
First detection of the virus in pigs in a second setting, the agency has to strengthen preventive measures to contain the spread of disease from humans to pigs
General News: previous | next Friday July 17, 2009 | 11:08 (updated at 11:31).

The National Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) declared a health alert for the emergence of new cases of influenza A in swine.

"In today identified human influenza virus A (H1N1) in pigs in an establishment located in the province of Buenos Aires, which made provision for its interdiction to observe the evolution of the disease," reported in the Senasa a statement on its website, and recalled that the disease is not transmitted through consumption of pork and its derivatives.

In addition, various national-level empowered to take extraordinary actions and health and bio-techniques that help to prevent and control the disease and the dictates of the relevant measures. "

This is laid down in resolution 489/2009 published in the Official Gazette. According to rule, "this new virus has been considered as emerging disease in pigs and as a mandatory reportable, notified the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)."

Moreover, given the National Technical Coordination, Legal and Administration "to hire work locations, not Personal services or others, to acquire equipment and perform all other expenses to cope" with the disease.

This is the second case in which there is the presence of disease in a pig farmer. The first took place last June in a farm located in the town of San Andrés in Buenos Aires Giles.

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1151569&pid=6898953&toi=6268

[HenryN]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

New human virus A (H1N1) in another pig production


Was conducted within the epidemiological surveillance activities being conducted Senasa along with the various players in the national health system.


The National Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) reported that in today confirmed the detection of human influenza virus A (H1N1) in pigs in an establishment located in the province of Buenos Aires, which made provision for its interdiction to monitor disease progression and to determine its next steps.

It also established a 3 kilometer radius of the establishment in which was the case, which began operations in epidemiological tracing of pigs in the farms located there in order to verify your health status.

This is the second case in which there is the presence of disease in a pig farmer. The first took place last June in a farm located in the town of San Andr?s in Buenos Aires Giles.

The novelty was communicated to the national Ministries of Health and Production, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food (SAGPyA) and the Ministries of Health of Buenos Aires and Land Affairs.

Senasa reminded producers should avoid the presence of people with flu symptoms in their establishments to prevent the infection of pigs.

The Agency also reminds people that the disease is not transmitted through consumption of pork and its derivatives (pork, sausage, etc..), As confirmed by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Organization for Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Service launched the reporting mechanisms of novelty to the OIE.

http://www.senasa.gov.ar/contenido.php?to=n&in=1&ino=1&io=10122

[HenryN]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

Report Summary

Disease Name:

A/H1N1 influenza
(New Unknown Disease)

Animal type

Terrestrial

Causal Agent

A/H1N1 influenza virus

Serotype(s)

Other

Reason

Emerging disease

Date of first confirmation of the event

24/06/2009

Date of Start of Event

15/06/2009

Date of report

08/07/2009

Date Submitted To OIE

09/07/2009

Number Of Reported Outbreaks

Submitted= 2, Draft= 0

Name of Sender of the report

Dr Jorge Nestor Amaya

Address

Av. Paseo Col?n 367 - 9? piso BUENOS AIRES 1063

Position

Presidente

Telephone

(54-11) 4342 1029

Fax

(54-11) 4342 1628

Email

presidencia@senasa.gov.ar

Entered by

Dr Jorge Nestor Amaya

Disease Impact

Units for morbidity and mortality Morbidity Mortality Zoonotic potential

Quantitative (%) 15% 0% An investigation is on-going since it is suggested that the origin is the contact with sick humans.

Outbreak (other report - submitted)

Provincia Departamento/Partido Unit Type Location Latitude Longitude Start date End Date

BUENOS AIRES San Andr?s de Giles Farm San Andr?s de Giles -34,46458 -59,47669 15/06/2009

Species Measuring units Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Swine Animals 5586 823 0 0 0

Affected Population

Criadero comercial de cerdos con medidas de bioseguridad y reposici?n propia, 4,5 hect?reas de extensi?n. No posee otras especies animales. La distribuci?n de las existencias es la siguiente: 516 cerdas madres, 7 cerdos, 2.900 capones, 58 cachorras y 2.105 lechones.
En la notificaci?n inmediata publicada el 25 de junio de 2009, se se?al? un n?mero de casos (1.676) equivalente al 30% de la poblaci?n total del predio (5.586), de acuerdo con la informaci?n recabada originalmente. Sin embargo, ese dato era err?neo, ya que la morbilidad deb?a ser estimada
s?lo para las categor?as afectadas (lechones, crecimiento y engorde). Por lo tanto, el dato real de casos es 823 animales. No hay nuevos animales enfermos. Tampoco ha habido muertes atribuidas a este virus.

Outbreak (this report - submitted) ( Foco 2 )

Provincia Departamento/Partido Unit Type Location Latitude Longitude Start date End Date

BUENOS AIRES Ca?uelas Farm Ca?uelas -35,125642 -58,738097 29/06/2009

Species Measuring units Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Swine Animals 6104 1632 0 0 0

Affected Population

An industrial-type holding with full production cycle applying biosecurity measures. Affected categories: suckling pigs and castrated pigs having showed mild clinical signs (cough).
Printed on: Thu Jul 9 17:57:25 Paris, Madrid (heure d'?t?) 2009 Page 1/3

Outbreak summary: Total outbreaks = 2 (Submitted)

Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Swine 11690 2455 0 0 0

Epidemiology

Epidemiological comments

A 3-km-radius zone around the new outbreak has been established and inspection and tracking activities are on-going on the premises with pigs. Also, an investigation on possible epidemiological links with other farms is underway.
No new cases have been observed in the first outbreak since 24 June.

Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection

? Under investigation

Control Measures

? Quarantine

Applied

? Screening
? Zoning
? Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)

To be applied

? No Planned Control Measures

Animals treated

No

Vaccination Prohibited

No

Diagnostic test results

Laboratory Type Name of Laboratory Species Test Type Date Results Provided Result

National laboratory Directorate of Laboratories and Technical Control (SENASA) Swine real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) 08/07/2009 Positive

Future Reporting

What further reports will be submitted in relation to this event?

There are 2outbreaks that are still recorded as unresolved. It is not possible to declare this event resolved until these individual outbreaks are resolved.
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

http://www.oie.int/wahis/reports/en_...709_175725.pdf

Follow-

[HenryN]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

Senasa health warning by the emergence of influenza A in swine

The National Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) declared a health alert for the emergence of new cases of influenza A in swine.

"In today identified human influenza virus A (H1N1) in pigs in an establishment located in the province of Buenos Aires, which made provision for its interdiction to observe the evolution of the disease," reported in the Senasa a statement on its website,

This is the second case in which there is the presence of disease in a pig farmer. The first took place last June in a farm located in the town of San Andrés in Buenos Aires Giles.

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?...98953&toi=6268

The above comments clearly state that the swine H1N1 matches the pandemic strain and notes that this is the second location (1st was nothwest of Buenos Aires while second is southwest - map coordinates for second outbreak in OIE report above).

[HenryN]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

Map of second outbreak

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/flu/gmap0907180010.html?lat=-35.12215510643694&lon=-58.8427734375&zoom=9

[HenryN]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

Map of first outbreak

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/flu/gmap0907180010.html?lat=-34.50316152428561&lon=-59.326171875&zoom=10

[HenryN]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.recombinomics.com/News/07180901/H1N1_Swine_BA.html">Commentary</a>

[Treyfish]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

Governing the health alert for breeding pigs
Saturday July 18, 2009 Amid concern about the extent of influenza A in the country, yesterday the National Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) declared a health alert across the country, confirming the existence of the second case of flu in pigs, emerged ten days on a farm in the province of Buenos Aires.

Although the release of the alert sparked a real psychosis, the president of Senasa, Jorge Amaya, clarified that the statement, published in the Gazette, was a mere administrative formality. "The situation has worsened since he was the first case, a month ago. This is a warning, not an emergency and is a routine procedure that allows us to have the funds and tools to combat a potential worsening of the situation" , said Amaya La Nacion.
"The disease is controlled and there have been no new infections in pigs after these two cases. What happens is that people are susceptible to influenza, and when the alert was broadcast, it malentendi?," added the president of Senasa for then add that there is no indication that the virus is spreading in pigs, and still there were no infections from pigs to humans.
In the Argentine Association of Producers of Pigs (AAPP), also wanted to calm the situation after the declaration of Senasa. "The word" warning "message means a focus for all breeding pigs in order to take necessary measures to prevent re-contamination from humans to pigs," said a statement by the entity.
In addition, its president, Juan Luis Uccelli, recalled that the consumption of pork or pork from animals that do not involve any danger of contagion.
On the other hand, Uccelli noted that from the first week of June, began to recover the consumption of pork, which had fallen immediately after the start of the concern about influenza A. "We must not forget that today is the man the polluter pork, not the other way around," said the AAPP.
In this context, the Rural Exhibition of Palermo, which starts next Thursday and end on August 7, pigs were not shown to avoid potential contamination of human swine. http://translate.google.com/translat...history_state0=

[hawkeye]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

Argentina declares alert as pigs found with swine flu
Fri Jul 17, 12:34 pm ET

BUENOS AIRES (AFP) ? Argentina issued a nationwide alert on Friday after pigs in the country were confirmed to have the swine flu virus, health authorities said.

"We have detected clinical cases of the A(H1N1) influenza in a pig farm in Buenos Aires province, they have been confirmed by laboratory tests," the national farm and food standards agency Senasa, said.

Thousands of people have contracted the virus in Argentina and 137 people in the country have died.

Senasa said the outbreak announced on Friday was the second time the disease had been found in pigs in Argentina -- the first case of infection in pigs was detected in June in the same Argentine province.

Earlier, the World Health Organisation said it would stop providing regular updates on the number of people affected worldwide, as the virus continues its march.

The WHO said in an information note on its website Friday that it would focus on regular updates from newly-affected countries, in order to keep track of the global progress of the A(H1N1) virus.

The influenza pandemic has "spread internationally with unprecedented speed," according to the Geneva-based UN public health agency.

In the last official figures it provided on July 6, the health agency recorded 94,512 cases in 136 countries and territories since April, including 429 deaths.

[HenryN]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

INFLUENZA PANDEMIC (H1N1) 2009 (07): ARGENTINA, SWINE, ALERT
************************************************** **********
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.isid.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 17 Jul 2009
Source: Buenos Aires Herald [edited]
<http://www.buenosairesherald.com/BreakingNews/View/6666>


Argentina declares health emergency, flu found in pigs
------------------------------------------------------
The government declared a nationwide animal health emergency following
the discovery of the new H1N1 flu virus in at least one pig herd. The
flu strain has killed 137 people in the South American country during
the Southern Hemisphere winter and the government has closed schools
and urged Argentines to avoid crowded places to halt its spread.

"The contingency plan ... allows for an increase in testing in pig
farms and in slaughter houses in order to guarantee early detection,"
the government's Official Gazette said.

The emergency measure, which will also give officials extra funding to
deal with the outbreak, was drawn up by the state-run SENASA agency,
responsible for animal health and food safety.

Earlier this month, SENASA officials said workers at a pig farm in
Buenos Aires province were suspected of having passed the new strain
onto the animals. That added weight to the theory that pigs can be
infected by humans. Another pig herd later tested positive for the
virus although Friday's statement only made mention of the 1st case.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall

[This article indicates the H1N1 flu virus has been found a pig herd.
It also indicated surveillance of swine has been increased. Workers
are suspected of having the flu. It does not tell us what epidemiology
work is being done. It does not tell us they are confirming the flu in
the people. It alludes to that issue with the presumptive statement
that humans can infect pigs. Yet there is currently no evidence from
this article that it is the H1N1 affecting the pigs, or that was
carried to them by their handlers or other people on the premises.

This virus in swine was reported to the OIE 1 Jul 2009 but is only
now, 16 days later, making the news and being declared an emergency.
It seems that emergencies are cautious declarations. - Mod.TG

A map showing the location of Argentina is available at:
<http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/samerica/ar.htm> - CopyEd.EJP]

[see also:
Influenza pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (04): pandemic origins 20090715.2527
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (17), Argentina, OIE 20090703.2401
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (16), Argentina, swine, OIE 20090626.2322
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (13) swine, Canada, origin, RFI
20090615.2215
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (12) swine trial inf. 20090605.2088
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (11) swine trial inf. 20090604.2067
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (10) swine, Canada, cull 20090514.1813
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (09), swine, Canada 20090513.1790
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (08), food safety, FAO/OIE/WHO
20090507.1710
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (07), swine, Canada, OIE 20090506.1691
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (06), Canada, OIE 20090505.1683
Influenza A (H1N1): animal health (05), swine, Canada, FAO 20090505.1680]
....................tg/ejp/jw

[HenryN]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

INFLUENZA PANDEMIC (H1N1) 2009 (07): ARGENTINA, SWINE, ALERT
************************************************** **********
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.isid.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 17 Jul 2009
Source: Buenos Aires Herald [edited]
<http://www.buenosairesherald.com/BreakingNews/View/6666>


Argentina declares health emergency, flu found in pigs

This virus in swine was reported to the OIE 1 Jul 2009 but is only
now, 16 days later, making the news and being declared an emergency.
It seems that emergencies are cautious declarations. - Mod.TG

ProMED is still calendar challenged. The recent media reports describe a SECOND outbreak in Argentina. The July 1 OIE report covers the FIRST outbreak in Argentina.
The SECOND report (filed with OIE in the past week) clearly involves the pandemic H1N1 in swine (southwest of Buenos Aires).
PROMed is in need of ANOTHER correction.

[Rwilmer]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

Dr. Niman, I think you should be a promed mod, I think you would do a good job at it.

[DeniseMc]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

Dr. Niman, what are the implications of this novel virus being widespread in swine and unmonitored? Further recombination leading to increased virulence?

[AlaskaDenise]

Re: Argentine Herd Infected with H1N1; Workers Suspected

<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.recombinomics.com/News/07180901/H1N1_Swine_BA.html">Commentary</a>

Commentary

Pandemic H1N1 in More Swine In Buenos Aires Argentina

Recombinomics Commentary 13:11
July 18, 2009

The National Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) reported that in today confirmed the detection of human influenza virus A (H1N1) in pigs in an establishment located in the province of Buenos Aires, which made provision for its interdiction to monitor disease progression and to determine its next steps.

The above comments describe the second pandemic H1N1 infection of swine near Buenos Aires (see map). This outbreak, southwest of the city, follows and earlier outbreak northwest of the city (see map). The above report confirms that these H1N1 outbreaks in swine (OIE report) are the pandemic strain, which was also reported for swine in Alberta.

Media stories suggested that the Alberta swine were from a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.recombinomics.com/News/05030901/Swine_H1N1_H2S.html">farm worker</a> who had visited Mexico and developed symptoms. However, the worker tested negative, casting doubt on the linkage between the worker and the infected herd. Moreover, a series of sequences from multiple isolates cast additional doubt on the link. Although all of these isolates were closely related to the pandemic strain, the heterogeneity in the swine sequences strongly suggests the herd was not recently infected.

Earlier reports had noted identity between NA sequences of the first New Jersey case, A/New Jersey/1/2009 collected in April, and a series of isolates from Japan, Sweden, and Spain collected in June and July. This level of identity was not seen among the Alberta swine sequences suggesting the swine were infected months ago.

The sequence data from Alberta, coupled with two distinct infections in Buenos Aires, Argentina, raise concerns that the pandemic H1N1 is widespread in swine. The three outbreaks above were not associated with swine deaths and therefore many infected swine may not be reported or tested.

The mild disease in swine may also help explain the database gaps. The pandemic H1N1 is related to other swine H1N1 isolates, but there is a gap in the level of relatedness, signaling large gaps in the database. The swine database is small, because of limited testing as well as hoarding of sequences, which would create gaps.

Recent sequences from Hong Kong were among the closest sequences, but many of the isolates were collected years ago, indicating the sequences were not made public, or the samples held untested. However, in addition to the swine sequences in Asia, there are many withheld sequences from isolates in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, which also limits analysis.

Release of the sequences which have already been generated, and enhanced surveillance, would be useful.

.