Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 (2009), United Kingdom (OIE, WAHID Interface, Sept. 18, 2009, edited)

[Giuseppe]

Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 (2009), United Kingdom (OIE, WAHID Interface, Sept. 18, 2009, edited)

[Source Full Document: LINK. EDITED.]

Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 (2009), United Kingdom

Information received on 18/09/2009 from Dr Nigel Gibbens, Chief Veterinary Officer, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, LONDON, United Kingdom

Summary

• Report type Immediate notification
• Start date 01/09/2009
• Date of first confirmation of the event 16/09/2009
• Report date 18/09/2009
• Date submitted to OIE 18/09/2009
• Reason for notification Emerging disease
• Morbidity 90 %
• Mortality 0.1 %
• Zoonotic impact Refer to OIE guidance/opinion
• Causal agent Pandemic H1N1 virus (2009)
• Serotype Other
• This event pertains to the whole country

New outbreaks

Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1

• Location(s) NORTHERN IRELAND (Greenhill)
  • Total animals affected: Species - Susceptible - Cases - Deaths - Destroyed - Slaughtered
  • Swine - 5000 - 4500 - 5 - 0 - 0

Outbreak statistics

• Species - Apparent morbidity rate - Apparent mortality rate - Apparent case fatality rate - Proportion susceptible animals lost*
• Swine - 90.00% - 0.10% - 0.11% - 0.10%

* Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter


Epidemiology

Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection Unknown or inconclusive


Epidemiological comments

Closed unit. All animals leaving the unit go for slaughter. Only gilts are brought onto the unit.

No known cases of human flu are currently associated with this outbreak.


Control measures

Measures applied No vaccination
Treatment of affected animals (Oral antibiotics)

Measures to be applied No other measures


Diagnostic test results

• Laboratory name and type Veterinary Sciences Division, Stormont, Northern Ireland (National laboratory)
  • Tests and results: Species - Test - Test date - Result
  • Swine - real-time PCR - 16/09/2009 - Positive

• Laboratory name and type Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge (OIE?s Reference Laboratory)
  • Tests and results: Species - Test - Test date - Result
  • Swine - gene sequencing - 17/09/2009 - Positive
  • Swine - polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - 17/09/2009 - Positive

Future Reporting

The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

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[Sally Furniss]

Re: Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 (2009), United Kingdom (OIE, WAHID Interface, Sept. 18, 2009, edited)

17 September 2009 - Test results indicate novel H1N1 influenza A virus identified in pigs


The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed that a pig herd here has tested positive for the novel H1N1 influenza A
Tests on a batch of piglets submitted by a private veterinary practice to the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute on 11 September have tested positive for the novel H1N1 Influenza A virus.
A DARD spokesperson said ‘Influenza viruses, including Influenza A, are present in all pig producing countries, including here and Great Britain and are considered endemic in the pig population. Given that this virus is currently circulating in humans this finding is not unexpected. ’
As part of the Department’s contingency planning, a voluntary Code of Practice for pig keepers has been agreed in conjunction with Industry. The Code of Practice provides guidance to pig keepers on the actions they should take to reduce the risk of introduction of influenza viruses to pig herds and reduce the risk of onward spread if introduction does occur. The Code relates to all influenza viruses and pulls together existing best practice. The Code is based on good biosecurity and herd health management as already practised.
The Department is providing advice to the affected farm and will continue to monitor developments and provide advice to the industry as required. Department of Health & Social Services and Health & Safety Executive NI (HSENI) have also been informed.
The Food Standards Agency has advised that novel H1N1 influenza A does not pose a food safety risk to consumers.
Notes to Editors:

1. Influenza in pigs is principally caused by Type A influenza viruses. Influenza is present in pigs in all pig producing countries, including the UK. Type A strains can also infect other species, including people, although the strains of virus involved are usually different.
2. The current so-called “swine flu” situation relates to novel H1N1 influenza A causing illness in people.
3. Further information on Swine Influenza can be found on the DARD website: www.dardni.gov.uk/index/animal-health/animal-diseases/swine-influenza-2.htm

http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/news/news-dard/newsdard-170909-test-results-indicate.htm