August 26, 2009

A third Australian pig farm was placed under quarantine due to suspected AH1N1 Tuesday (August 25), as the number of human deaths from the virus reached 132.

Authorities ordered a biosecurity lockdown at the pig farm in Queensland state amid concerns influenza AH1N1 could mutate and return to humans in a deadlier form.

Two other pig operations, one in New South Wales and the other in Victoria, are already under lockdown after tests confirmed animals had been infected with the virus.

Biosecurity Queensland chief veterinarian Ron Glanville said samples from pigs at the latest affected property were being examined and results should be available in days.

"Biosecurity officers have placed the piggery under quarantine and are implementing strict on-site biosecurity measures," Glanville said.

He said the facility would be isolated so the infection could "burn out" within the pig population as quickly as possible.

Authorities say AH1N1 in pigs doesn't t affect pork products.

Health experts fear AH1N1 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.

AH1N1 has hit 33,844 people in Australia, with 440 people hospitalized, 100 of them in intensive care.

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