August 4, 2009

In New South Wales, the health of pigs diagnosed with AH1N1 is improving and none are likely to die, the NSW Department of Primary Industries said.

NSW acting chief veterinary officer Dr Ian Roth said the infected pigs, which remain under close observation, had dry coughs but were "strong" and not off their food.

Disease experts reported that the animals were recovering, Roth said. He added there was no evidence to suggest the disease had spread into other pig herds, as the affected Dunedoo pig farm was located in an isolated area.

The pig farm was quarantined on Friday (Jul 31) after laboratory tests confirmed several pigs had caught the virus.

On Monday (Aug 3), State, territory and federal representatives from Australia's health and agriculture sectors discussed the outbreak via teleconference. It was expected they would endorse a plan to further manage and control the disease.

A NSW Department of Primary Industries spokesman would not disclose what the plan entailed, but said there were no radically new measures proposed.

The AH1 strain of flu diagnosed at the piggery, which was quarantined by the NSW Department of Industry, is slightly different to the H1N1 variation diagnosed in humans.

It is believed that workers at the piggery may have transmitted the disease to the animals.

Roth said pork was safe for consumption and only healthy animals entered the food chain in Australia.

None of the Dunedoo animals have entered the food chain.