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An investigation into human pandemic influenza virus (H1N1) 2009 on an Alberta swine farm

journal contribution
posted on 2009-11-01, 00:00 authored by K J Howden, E J Brockhoff, F D Caya, L J McLeod, M Lavoie, J D Ing, J M Bystrom, Soren AlexandersenSoren Alexandersen, J M Pasick, Y Berhane, M E Morrison, J M Keenliside, S Laurendeau, E B Rohonczy
On May 2, 2009 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency notified the World Organization for Animal Health that an emerging novel influenza A virus (pandemic H1N1 2009) had been confirmed on a swine farm in Alberta. Over a 4-week period pigs in this farrow-to-finish operation were clinically affected by respiratory disease consistent with an influenza A virus infection and the presence of active viral infection was confirmed in all production areas by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Despite clinical recovery of animals, there was reluctance by purchasers to receive animals from this operation due to concerns about the effect on both domestic and international markets. The owner decided to depopulate the entire herd due to impending welfare issues associated with overcrowding and economic concerns resulting from the inability to market these animals. Carcasses were rendered or composted and did not enter the human food or animal feed chain. The source of virus in this herd was determined to be an infected human. Zoonotic transmission to 2 individuals responding to the outbreak was suspected and recommendations to prevent occupational exposure are discussed.

History

Journal

Canadian veterinary journal

Volume

50

Issue

11

Pagination

1153 - 1161

Publisher

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Location

Ottawa, Ont.

ISSN

0008-5286

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2009, CVMA