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Swine Influenza

INFLUENZA A VIRUS INFECTION IN SWINE

Swine influenza is a highly contagious viral disease of the respiratory tract in swine and is distributed globally. 

H1N1, H3N2 and H1N2 are the most common influenza subtypes in swine, of which avian-like H1N1 is most frequent. All subtypes are continuously circulating in Europe. Since 2009 a new subtype, pdmH1N1 (2009), emerged globally and also entered the European pig population. Frequency of the different subtypes varies from country to country (further information on frequencies can be found here).

Surveillance programs are important to improve our knowledge about the dynamics of existing and future subtypes of swine influenza viruses. This will help us to better understand the impact on swine production. 

WHY ARE INFLUENZA A VIRUS INFECTIONS SO IMPORTANT?

Influenza A virus infections can have a huge impact. After infection, animals may experience an extended period of reduced vitality, reduced average daily gain, impaired reproductive performance, and reduced disease resistance. Moreover, influenza disease can lead to secondary bacterial and viral infections which are responsible for complications during an influenza infection. Depending on the severity of the outcome, this can cause huge economic losses. 

 

PROTECTING AGAINST INFLUENZA – PROTECTING YOUR FARM

Classic influenza strains are well established, and pandemic influenza is increasing.

Classic influenza strains are well established, while pandemic strains continue to expand.
Ceva provides diagnostic support to determine the swIAV (swine influenza A virus) situation in the field, through technical support and close collaboration with veterinarians and leading researchers in the field.

In 2020, a study conducted by Henritzi et al. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2020.07.006) detected a high incidence of IAV infections, affecting approximately one quarter of pigs, independently of the season.More than half of the participating farms were affected.

The results revealed:

  • the presence of all four swine influenza A virus (swIAV) lineages,
  • a high diversity of genotypes,
  • an increase in detection of the 2009 pandemic H1N1,
  • the frequent presence of its reassortants,
  • and co-infections with different H1 subtypes.

 

ONE HEALTH

The core concept of the “One Health” approach

The core concept of the One Health approach is that human health and animal health are closely interconnected and form a single unit (more information on One Health available here).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), One Health is an approach aimed at designing and implementing programs, policies, legislation, and research in which multiple sectors collaborate and communicate to achieve better public health outcomes.
Areas where the One Health approach is particularly relevant include:

  • food safety,
  • the control of zoonoses (diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, such as influenza, rabies, or Rift Valley fever),
  • the fight against antimicrobial resistance (when bacteria evolve after exposure to antimicrobials and become more difficult to treat).

Zoonotic risk and the role of the pig as a “mixing vessel”

Many infectious diseases have zoonotic potential.
Viruses such as pdmH1N1 (2009) demonstrate the possibility of interspecies transmission, either:

  • from humans to animals, or
  • from animals to humans.

The pig, in particular, is considered a “mixing vessel.”
In addition to swine influenza viruses (swIAV), pigs are susceptible to avian and human influenza viruses, as they possess both types of receptors in their lungs.
Consequence:
There is a risk of generating new influenza viruses in pigs.
This process, known as reassortment, can lead to a new subtype that may be:

  • more virulent,
  • unable to survive,
  • or have pandemic potential.

Ultimately, there is a risk that these new reassorted viruses could be transmitted to humans.

Vaccination: a pillar of the One Health strategy

Vaccination is an integral part of the One Health strategy against swine influenza,
as it helps to:

  • reduce viral circulation,
  • limit reassortment,
  • and thereby reduce the emergence of new subtypes.