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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Liz Wagstrom, DVM, MS, DACVPM, Science and Technology Department, National Pork Board, 1776 NW 114th Street, Clive, IA 50325, (515)223-2633, lwagstrom@pork.org

Type A influenza virus can infect a wide range of animal hosts including ducks, chickens, pigs, whales, horses, seals, and has recently been identified in cats and dogs. Of great importance is influenza's role as a zoonotic pathogen. Even though most human infections involve human-adapted viruses, humans can be infected with swine-adapted influenza viruses as well. This is most commonly a benign event, although mortality will sporadically occur. Of greater interest is the fact that pigs can be infected with both avian and human viruses, which has lead to the theory that they may serve as the intermediary, or “mixing vessel”, for the generation of new pandemic strains. It had been thought that reassortment between swine and human viruses would not take place in humans because, until recently, there was no documented evidence of direct infection of humans with avian viruses. However, recent outbreaks in Asia and The Netherlands indicate that humans can be directly infected with wholly avian influenza viruses, and an intermediary host may not be necessary. This presentation will review what is known about the role of pigs in the epidemiology of influenza, describe what genetic sequences of past pandemic strains indicate about the source of these strains, and provide up-to-the date information about the current influenza strains of concern.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to

• Identify the role that pigs may play in the epidemiology of human and animal influenza infections
• Describe the safeguards in place to prevent the interspecies transmission of influenza

Keywords: Infectious Diseases,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation