Influenza pandemic (H1N1) 2009, animal health (02): Austr., swine

Date: Wed 19 Aug 2009

Source: The Straits Times, Agence France-Presse (AFP) report [edited]
<http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_418778.html>


2nd Aussie piggery quarantined
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A 2nd Australian piggery was placed in quarantine due to swine flu on
Wednesday [19 Aug 2009] as the number of human deaths from the virus
reached 121.

Authorities ordered a biosecurity lockdown at the piggery in Victoria
state amid concerns the virus could mutate and return to humans in a
more deadly form.

Another piggery in New South Wales state has been quarantined since
late July [2009], although the state government said most of the
animals had recovered from the disease.

Victoria Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said tests confirmed the
presence of influenza at the piggery after its owners reported
earlier this week that the animals were not eating.

'It is important to stress that this is not a human health issue and
that national and international food authorities continue to advise
that pork and pork products are safe to eat,' he said.

Media reports said the pigs were believed to have contracted the
virus from workers at the property who were suffering the human form
of the disease.

Health experts fear swine flu in humans, which is easily spread but
has a relatively low fatality rate, could mutate in other animals and
emerge in a more virulent form.

Swine flu has hit 32 224 people in Australia, with 460 people
hospitalised, 100 of them in intensive care.

Human trials are underway for a vaccine, with mass immunisation of
the entire population scheduled to begin in October [2009].