Pandemic H1N1 Flu Virus
Questions and Answers

Pandemic H1N1 Flu Virus

Q: What is the pandemic H1N1 flu virus?

A: The pandemic H1N1 flu virus causes respiratory illness in people that is similar to regular seasonal influenza viruses. This particular strain has also spread from infected people to pigs on a limited number of occasions.

There is no evidence pigs are contributing to the spread of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus in the human population.

Influenza viruses in pigs, including the pandemic H1N1 flu virus, are not federally reportable in Canada. However, producers should always follow strict biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of introducing infection to their animals, and immediately notify a veterinarian if illness is suspected.

Q: How is H1N1 flu virus transmitted among humans?

A: Human-to-human transmission is possible through coughing or sneezing of those infected. Additional information about human illness is available on the Public Health Agency of Canada's website at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca.

Q: What is being done to look for the pandemic H1N1 flu virus in pigs?

A: The CFIA has been working with provinces, territories, the swine industry, and private sector veterinarians since April 24th to enhance monitoring of swine herds for signs of illness and to maintain enhanced biosecurity measures on farms across the country. Surveillance for the presence of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus in pigs will continue, to detect any changes in how the virus affects pigs and to identify any changes in the structure of the virus.

The CFIA is also closely collaborating with public health officials to investigate any other situations where potentially affected people may have had contact with swine.

Q: What action is taken when the pandemic H1N1 flu virus is detected in pigs?

A: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), which sets disease control guidelines for the international community, does not recommend quarantining or culling swine herds in which the pandemic H1N1 flu virus is found. Furthermore, research and observations made since the virus was first detected in pigs indicate:

• There is no food safety risk associated with the virus;
• There is no evidence at this time that animals are playing a significant role in the spread of the virus in the general human population; and,
• The virus does not behave any differently in pigs from other influenza viruses commonly detected in pigs.

Based on this knowledge and information, the CFIA does not quarantine or cull infected herds. Affected animals are managed using the same veterinary management and biosecurity practices employed for other swine influenza viruses. This includes limiting opportunities for virus to spread to susceptible animals.

Any herd in which the virus is detected will be monitored to verify that infected animals recover. In addition, surveillance for the presence of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus in pigs will continue, to detect any changes in how the virus affects pigs and to identify any changes in the structure of the virus. Producers are encouraged to reinforce biosecurity measures at their facilities.

This approach is supported by Provincial and Territorial authorities, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Food Safety

Q: Does the pandemic H1N1 flu virus pose a risk to pork products?

A: No. Influenza viruses do not affect the safety of properly cooked pork, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). As with any raw meat, pork should always be properly handled and cooked to eliminate a range of food safety concerns.

Q: Can people become infected with the pandemic H1N1 flu virus by handling or eating imported food products?

A: No. Transmission of the virus on properly handled and cooked food products (canned, packaged and fresh produce) that may have been shipped from affected areas is highly unlikely because influenza is not a foodborne disease. As a general precaution against foodborne illnesses it is always recommended that all food products be properly handled and prepared.

Animal Health

Q: What are the symptoms of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus in pigs?

A: The pandemic H1N1 flu virus appears to behave the same in pigs as other influenza viruses commonly detected in pigs. Influenza viruses typically seen in pigs cause the following symptoms:

• fever
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• coughing
• sneezing
• nasal discharge
• difficulty breathing
• reduced fertility or abortion

Biosecurity

Q: What precautions should veterinarians take when investigating possible cases of influenza in swine?

A: When veterinarians are investigating reports of influenza-like illness in swine herds, they should continue to take appropriate biosecurity precautions.

The CFIA recommends that veterinarians:

• contact the producer beforehand to prepare and plan the visit
• park in designated areas or as far as possible from animals
• keep a log book of farms visited
• use appropriate personal protective equipment:
  • N95 masks, gloves, impermeable coveralls, protective clothing and footwear, and eye protection
• wash hands thoroughly after handling animals
• leave as you arrived and clean and sanitize vehicles and equipment
• dispose of protective equipment in a safe manner:
  • either leave it on the farm to be appropriately disposed or
  • remove it and place it in "contaminated materials" containers for transport to the office
• attend to low-risk jobs first and then observe animals for concerns
• avoid or minimize contact with manure storage, feed supplies, and water supplies
• avoid travelling to another swine farm for 48 hours following a visit to a farm where the pandemic H1N1 flu virus is suspected

For more detailed information on biosecurity measures recommended for disease investigation farm visits please contact your local CFIA office.

Q: What can producers do help protect their animals from influenza viruses?

A: Producers should always follow strict disease prevention principles:

• restrict contact between pigs and anyone other than those necessary to manage the operation;
• in consultation with a veterinarian, consider vaccinating animals;
• ensure farm workers maintain good hygiene;
• ensure farm workers do not have any respiratory illness;
• properly clean barns, equipment, clothing and footwear;
• provide adequate ventilation in barns; and
• identify and segregate sick animals as early as possible.

Animal vaccination

Q: What is the CFIA's role in swine influenza vaccines?

A: The CFIA regulates veterinary biologics in Canada, including swine influenza vaccines and diagnostic tests. There are several commercial vaccines licensed for use in swine in Canada. To meet licensing requirements, each vaccine must be shown to be safe and effective when used according to the manufacturer's label recommendations.

Q: Does the CFIA recommend that producers vaccinate their swine?

A: Decisions to vaccinate swine herds should be made between the producer and their veterinary health practitioner on a case by case basis. However, further research is needed to determine if vaccines would be effective against the pandemic H1N1 flu virus.

Trade: Exports and Imports

Q: What is the government of Canada's response to trade restrictions on Canadian pork and swine?

A: The pandemic H1N1 flu virus is not a food safety concern. We are asking the international community to base their decisions on fact, not fear.

Canada's missions abroad are providing information to trade partners and importers highlighting the safety of Canadian pork and swine products. In countries where an import ban is being considered or has been imposed, we are talking to the key agencies and officials to help them make an informed decision and recognize that Canadian pork is safe.

Q: What controls are in place for swine being imported into Canada?

A: Animals for slaughter must be accompanied by a health certificate confirming they are free of any communicable diseases. Animals for breeding must also have a health certificate and are subject to quarantine.

Q: What controls are in place for swine being exported from Canada?

A: The CFIA certifies the health of exported animals based on trade agreements with importing countries. Generally, animals must be free of disease for at least 30 days before being exported.