October 1, 2009

The Republic of Ireland has reported an occurrence of the novel influenza A virus (H1N1) in a pig herd, the International Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reported on Tuesday (Sep 29).

 

The virus was discovered in Kilworth, county Cork. About 40 animals in a herd of 3,050 swine herd (approximately 1.3 percent) contracted the virus. The virus was discovered earlier this month and confirmed at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Backweston, in county Kildare.

 

An infected farm worker is thought to be the source of infection, the report said.

 

According to the report, the pigs were being monitored as high-risk following confirmation of the virus in a worker on September 22. The worker tended the pigs from 15-18 September whilst sick.

 

Clinical signs commenced in the pigs on September 25 with sows off feed and laboured breathing. Movements of pigs off farm have been stopped voluntarily since September 18.

 

Earlier cases of AH1N1 flu in pigs have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Argentina, Canada and Australia.