'Swine flu' confirmed in Norfolk pig herd

THE H1N1 swine flu virus has been confirmed in a herd of pigs in Norfolk.

Routine scanning surveillance has confirmed that the strain of the virus found is virtually identical to strains currently circulating in humans.

This is the sixth case of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus found in pigs in the UK, and follows cases earlier this year in Northern Ireland.

Defra is stressing that the discovery was not unexpected and has no implications as far as the safety of pigmeat is concerned.

“It is not uncommon for pigs to be affected by influenza. Influenza in pigs is not a notifiable disease,” a Department spokesperson said.

“There is no food safety risk, pandemic H1N1 2009 has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products.”

Voluntary measures set out in a new Code of Practice on influenza in pigs drawn up by the pig industry, Defra, Devolved Administrations and other government bodies are in place on the farm.

The code can be seen at http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/swine-flu/latest.htm

04 December 2009