What is a ypical swine flu in pigs?
• The influenza that infects pigs is called swine flu by industry – it occurs in most areas of the world where pigs are kept. • Until now it has never been present in Australia. • Swine flu is influenza of swine and is a highly contagious, acute respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type-A influenza viruses. • Swine flu in pigs is characterised by large numbers of pigs being infected but with low numbers dying as a result. • Swine flu in pigs occurs in most other pig-producing countries and is considered endemic in the US and Mexico. • Swine influenza outbreaks occur year round and many countries routinely vaccinate their swine populations. • Swine flu viruses are normally restricted to pigs; it is rare for swine influenza viruses to infect humans but it is known that pigs have a potential to mix different strains of influenza viruses together to produce new strains. • International outbreaks and sporadic infections in people (swine to people) have been reported occasionally in the p
