Swine flu is caused by influenza virus A. This is an important virus because it can spread rapidly among pigs and can also spread from pigs to people. However, it spreads from pigs to people or from person to person only rarely. Most people will not get very sick if exposed, but swine flu can cause severe disease and death in people with weakened immune systems.
In climates where seasons vary, infections in pigs and people happen more often when the weather gets colder in autumn and winter. In warm climates, infections can occur year-round.
Pigs get swine flu from other pigs, either by breathing in the virus, from direct contact with an infected pig, or from a person or object that carries it from one pig to another. Many pigs recover and become carriers of the virus and can then get infected again if their immune system becomes weakened.
Symptoms of Swine Flu in Animals
Symptoms in pigs are similar to symptoms in people, including have high fever, coughing, trouble breathing, secretions from the nose and eyes, weakness, and pneumonia. Infection sets in over 1–3 days and usually lasts only about 3–7 days. Most pigs recover, but they're always at risk for different strains or other infections.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Swine Flu in Animals
Diagnosis of swine flu is confirmed by genetic testing for the virus and by identifying the virus in an infected person's or animal's body. Because pigs develop antibodies (which give them some protection against the virus), blood tests can be used to test for antibodies in a herd.
There is no specific treatment for swine flu in pigs. As in people, rest, fluids, and medications to lower fever are used to help pigs through the illness.
Prevention of Swine Flu in Animals
The best prevention against swine flu in herds of pigs is vaccination. Other important things for farms with pigs to do:
provide good hygiene and plenty of space to avoid crowding
restrict movement of pigs to other farms
keep pregnant sows and sows with new piglets separated from the rest of the herd
Important Human Health Points Regarding Swine Flu
Swine flu can cause outbreaks among pigs.
Symptoms of swine flu in pigs are similar to flu symptoms in people, and most pigs recover.
It is very rare for people to be infected with swine flu.
For More Information
Also see professional content regarding swine flu.
