Pigs on a 280 sow farrow-to-finish farm in central-west New South Wales were confirmed to be infected with pandemic H1N1 Influenza A 2009 virus on 31 July 2009.

Question: How did the herd become infected?

Answer: It is highly likely that pigs on this farm were infected by virus shed from contact with infected people. People may shed the flu virus for 1-3 days before they show any symptoms.

Question: How can we prevent pigs being infected by people?

Answer: Piggery owners and workers who have influenza-like symptoms or who have recent contact with anyone with an unexplained illness should keep away from pigs.

Question: What made the farmer suspect that they had influenza in their pigs?

Answer: It was unusual for these pigs to be coughing as the herd is not infected with common respiratory infections. The owners were also concerned as they and their workers had recently had flu-like symptoms.

Question: How widespread is the influenza virus infection in pig herds in Australia?

Answer: Australia is free from traditional swine influenza. Influenza  has only been detected on this property in NSW and one property in Victoria. The New South Wales farm is relatively isolated and is at least 70 kilometres from other commercial pig farms. The property is quarantined and is closely monitored to make sure the infection does not spread to other pig farms.

Question: How has influenza affected the pigs?

Answer: The first signs of infection on the farm in NSW were on 24 July 2009. The main clinical sign was a dry cough that affected all age groups, including pregnant sows, weaners, growers and finishers. A few sows were noticed to have a reduced appetite for a couple of days. There were few clinical signs consistent with influenza on the farm when the pigs were inspected a second time by veterinary authorities on 7 August 2009.

Question: Is pig meat from this farm safe to eat?

Answer: Yes. As is the usual practise only healthy pigs will be allowed to be sold for slaughter and processing.

Question: Will influenza be eradicated from pigs in this herd - and how?

Answer: This is the first report of an influenza infection in pigs in Australia and it is being treated as an Emergency Animal Disease. Recovered animals do not continue to carry or excrete virus, so it is likely that the virus will "die out". Diagnostic samples will be collected to monitor the situation in the coming months.

Question: What should I do if I suspect my pigs have influenza?

Answer: If it is unusual for your pigs to cough and there is a history of possible flu in people who work with your pigs, your herd may be infected with influenza.

Besides coughing, other clinical signs of influenza in pigs include reduced appetite, lethargy, reluctance to rise, sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, and fever.

If you are concerned that pigs may be infected with influenza, contact your local veterinarian, and notify your District Veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.