The first pigs infected with Influenza A H1 are now recovering, NSW acting chief veterinary officer, Dr Ian Roth, said today.

The NSW Department of Industry and Investment quarantined a Central West NSW property late last week after pigs tested positive to Influenza A H1.

"The animals are under close observation, we are monitoring the health of the 2000-head herd daily," Dr Roth said.

"Our on-site disease experts are reporting that animals – the first to be infected - are now recovering. This is good news.

"We expect all the pigs to make a full recovery.

"There is no evidence to suggest the disease has spread into other pig herds. The property is in an isolated area.

"Our investigations have shown infected animals are strong, with a dry cough and are not off their feed."

Dr Roth said owners of the property are co-operating with authorities and he praised them for reporting signs of poor health in their herd.

"I commend the property owners and the NSW pork industry for reporting suspect Influenza in their herd."

A meeting of the National Management Group (NMG) including Government and industry representatives will meet this afternoon to endorse a plan to contain and manage the disease.

"I stress again that pork is safe to eat," Dr Roth said.

"And, that only healthy animals enter the food chain in Australia."

Dr Roth said Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) staff were playing a vital role on the frontline of the response.

More information

Influenza A H1N1 2009 ('Human Swine Flu')

Media contact: Brett Fifield 0427 029 511 or Tom Braz 0428 256 596