February 6, 2007

UK pigs also at risk from avian flu

The National Pig Association has warned that recent outbreaks of H5N1 avian flu in a farm in Suffolk, England  could have serious implications for the pig industry.

Pigs co-exist with poultry in many east Anglia farms. Therefore, an outbreak of deadly H5N1 in poultry flocks could have a sweeping impact on pig production because the animals are susceptible to the H5N1 disease.

In addition to surveillance, pigs would also need to be tested, the board felt.

Tests on pigs would be carried out three weeks after any infected poultry has been slaughtered and during this period pigs could only be moved from the premises under special licence.

Although diagnosis of the H5N1 virus should not trigger a ban on pigmeat export, any delay in pig movements during the testing period could result in financial losses.

Further, retailers and processors would have to confirm that they would accept pigs consigned from infected mixed pig and poultry units.

Biosecurity efforts at most UK farms already include keeping pigs confined and separating from other animals.