April 30, 2009
Swine flu not traced back to pigs
Current information available to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) does not indicate that the flu outbreak occurring now was preceded by an outbreak of swine flu.
The A/H1N1 outbreak is described as swine flu, but the OIE wishes to further clarify the facts from the animal health perspective, particularly as international pig and pork products trade has been affected.
The OIE said it will continue to respond to new, incoming information as the situation evolves.
Scientific investigations currently underway should within a few days indicate if the virus is capable of infecting animal species.
The OIE also said it is incorrect to call the disease 'swine flu', as it includes genetic components of human, bird and pig origin. The organisation has proposed to refer to this new virus as 'North American flu'.
As there is no case of infection in animals confirmed in zones where cases of human infection have occurred, it is seen as unnecessary to introduce specific measures for international trade in swine or their products, or to consider that consumers of pork products are at risk of infection.
