Florida Zoonotic Disease Surveillance Program

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Bureau of Community Public Health Medicine

BUREAU PROGRAMS

Novel Influenza Viruses

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Swine Influenza, Pigs, and People

Pigs, like people, can be infected by influenza viruses. These are called swine influenza viruses while influenza viruses found regularly in people are referred to as seasonal influenza or flu viruses. There are multiple strains of swine influenza viruses present in the U.S. in both domestic and wild pigs, just as there are multiple strains of seasonal flu viruses in people. Generally the influenza viruses found in pigs are passed between pigs, and those in people are spread to other people. However, these slightly different types of viruses can occasionally spread from pigs to people, or from people to pigs. When this happens there is a rare chance that a new, sometimes more dangerous virus for people or pigs might develop. Both swine and human influenza viruses are most common in winter and cause similar symptoms of fever, sore throat, coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing and difficulty breathing. Both people and pigs can spread influenza viruses by coughing and sneezing. Infected pigs and people are both most contagious to others when they are most ill; therefore it is important to avoid close contact (being within 6 ft) of ill pigs and ill people. To prevent infection with either human or swine influenza viruses:

People who are ill should avoid close contact with swine and people.
Avoid close contact with people or swine with signs of respiratory disease (fever, coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing, difficulty breathing).
Practice good respiratory etiquette by covering your cough (and sneeze).
Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
Stay up to date with seasonal influenza vaccinations.
Contact your physician if you develop symptoms of influenza.
Report swine with signs of respiratory disease to state and federal animal health officials: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) State Veterinarian's office: 850-410-0900; USDA office 352-313-3060; 24 hour toll-free number 877-815-0034 or via e-mail rad@doacs.state.fl.us

2009 H1N1 Resources

The H1N1 influenza virus of swine origin currently in the news is suspected to be a new virus, and is being spread person to person rather than from pigs to people.

FDACS and FDOH Novel Influenza FAQ's

Current information on the novel H1N1 (formerly Swine Flu) event from CDC can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Buenos hábitos de salud para la prevención (CDC Español/Spanish H1N1/Swine Influenza information) http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/espanol/

Buenos hábitos de salud para la prevención Hoja informativa (CDC Español/Spanish H1N1/Swine Influenza Fact Sheet): http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/espanol/habits.htm

Current information on the novel H1N1 (formerly Swine Flu) event from USDA can be found at: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/?navid=USDA_H1N1

American Veterinary Medical Association information on novel H1N1 influenza: http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp

Canadian pigs infected with novel H1N1 from a sick person: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/2009/20090502e.shtml

Español/Spanish novel H5N1Influenza porcina

CDC Interim Guidance for Workers who are Employed at Commercial Settings:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_commerical_settings_with_pigs.htm

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is considered a human virus and is spread person to person. However, infected people may also infect animals including pigs and cats with this virus. See http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp for information regarding cases involving animals being infected with 2009 H1N1 by people.

Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Canine, Feline and 2009 H1N1 fact sheets: http://www.cvm.umn.edu/cahfs/fact/Influenzasheets/index.htm

Other Swine Influenza Resources

Florida Department of Health Veterinary Influenza Information (PDF)

CDC Guidelines for People in Close Contact with Pigs in Non-Commercial Settings http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/guidelines_pig_workers.htm

Influenza - Pigs, People and Public Health Fact Sheet (PDF)

For questions regarding swine influenza surveillance programs for pig farmers in pigs in FL, call FDACS Animal Industry 850-410-0900, and for general information visit their webpage at: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/

CDC Swine Flu & Pig Farmers: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/pdf/brochure.pdf (PDF)

Feral or Free-Ranging Swine and Hunters

Practice good sanitation when handling feral swine or raw feral swine meat, they can carry a number of infectious organisms including bacteria and parasites such as Brucella and Trichinella. To protect against these and other agents (including viruses):

Avoid eating, drinking or using tobacco when field-dressing or handling carcasses.
Use latex or rubber gloves when handling the carcass or raw meat.
Avoid direct contact with blood, reproductive organs and fecal matter. Wearing long sleeves, eye protection and covering any scratches, open wounds or lesions will help provide protection.
Clean and disinfect knives, cleaning area, clothing and any other exposed surfaces when finished.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Cook meat from these animals to 160º F or until juices run clear

The safety regulations for handling feral or free-ranging swine are similar to precautions recommended for handling wild birds: http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/wildlife_health_bulletins/WHB_05_03.jsp