The National Pig Association (NPA) is urging pig keepers to remain vigilant and maintain biosecurity levels after a human case of a flu virus currently circulating in pigs in the UK was confirmed.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it is the first detection of influenza A(H1N2)v in a human in the UK.
The case was detected in North Yorkshire as part of routine national flu surveillance undertaken by UKHSA and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). The individual was tested by their GP after experiencing respiratory symptoms.
NPA chief executive, Lizzie Wilson, said: “Pig keepers should be vigilant to any signs of ill health amongst their animals and maintain high levels of hygiene and biosecurity when working with pigs.
“We also encourage the use of the APHA and SRUC free testing service and to consult the Code of Practice for Swine Influenza. If you are concerned, please consult your veterinary surgeon.”
The trade association for UK pig farmers said the case prompted “dramatic headlines” and comparisons to the swine flu pandemic in humans in 2009.
However, the association stressed that H1N2 is only transmissible from pigs to humans, not from human to human.
“There is no evidence there is any risk to humans from either handling or eating pork,” Wilson said.
“The NPA understands that the UKHSA is investigating how this virus strain was contracted by a human and we await their conclusions.”
Confirmed case
The NPA echoed the advice of the UK’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, who said pig keepers must report “any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet immediately”.
“We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans – which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important.
“Through our animal and human surveillance systems we work together to protect everyone. In this case we are providing specialist veterinary and scientific knowledge to support the UKHSA investigation.”
UKHSA said it is “monitoring the situation closely”, and is taking steps to increase surveillance within existing programmes, involving GP surgeries and hospitals in parts of North Yorkshire.
According to the UKHSA the individual concerned experienced a “mild illness”, and has now fully recovered.
The agency added: “The source of their infection has not yet been ascertained and remains under investigation.
“Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations.
“Any contacts will be offered testing as necessary and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.”
