Swine Flu in People and in Pet Pigs
Swine Influenza - A Contagious Disease Infecting Pigs and People
With the April, 2009 outbreaks of swine flu in people, swine influenza has become a much publicized disease.
Swine flu is caused by an influenza virus. There are numerous strains of influenza virus in existence and influenza viruses have the ability to mutate and change quickly, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions.
Normally, different strains of influenza virus infect different species of animals, but occasionally they can cross over into another species.
How is Swine Flu Spread?
In pigs, swine influenza is usually spread from one pig to another through contact. Pigs may also be exposed to swine flu through contact with objects contaminated with the swine influenza virus. Swine flu can be spread on the skin and clothing of people working with or handling pigs as well.
Swine flu is primarily a concern in swine raised for food production. However, pet pigs, such as pet pot bellied pigs, can be infected as well.
While swine flu can be passed from pigs to people, the influenza virus can also be passed from people to pigs. In addition, pigs (including pet pot bellied pigs) can be infected with the avian influenza strain of disease through contact with infected birds.
Symptoms of Swine Flu in Pigs, Including Pet Pot Bellied Pigs
Swine influenza in pigs is a respiratory infection leading to symptoms such as:
- fever,
- depression,
- coughing (which results in a barking sound),
- discharge from the nose or eyes,
- sneezing,
- breathing difficulties,
- eye redness or inflammation, and
- lack of appetite.
Swine influenza is generally a mild and often self-limiting disease in pigs. However, it is a concern within the food-producing population because swine flu can result in significant economic damage to a pig farm.
Prevention of Swine Flu in Pigs
Prevention of swine flu in food producing animals usually centers around:
- vaccination for swine influenza before exposure
- good hygiene at the farm (proper sanitation habits)
- following strict biosecurity practices at the farm (foot bathes, dedicated clothing, etc.)
- providing adequate ventilation in areas where pigs are housed
- quickly identifying and isolating sick animals from the rest of the herd
In pet pigs, such as pot bellied pigs, vaccination may be recommended by your veterinarian if your pot bellied pig is at risk for swine flu. Isolation of the pet pot bellied pig away from sick people, particularly those with flu-like symptoms, may be of benefit also.
Swine Flu and People
In the past, most cases of swine flu in people resulted from contact with infected pigs. One of the things which is disturbing about the most recent outbreak (April, 2009) is the fact that the swine influenza strain involved passes from person to person instead of from pig to person. In most of the confirmed cases of swine flu in people, no contact with pigs or other animals has been documented. In fact, no cases of swine flu in pigs have been implicated in this outbreak.
Person to person spread of the swine flu virus makes spread of the disease more rapid, and increases the likelihood of more widespread infection within the human population.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends attention to hygiene to help prevent the spread of swine flu from person to person
- Wash hands thoroughly and often using soap and water. Alcohol based hand disinfectants are also recommended.
- Cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Do not go to work or school if experiencing flu-like symptoms.
- Do not share food or drink utensils with others.
- Limit contact with people displaying respiratory symptoms.
The CDC also advises restriction of unnecessary travel to areas where human cases of swine flu are known to exist.
Swine Flu in Other Pets
It is uncertain at this point in time, whether the current outbreak of swine flu could be contagious to pet pot bellied pigs. However, it would be prudent to assume that there may some risk of infection.
At the current time, there is no evidence to suggest that swine flu is contagious to other pets, such as cats, dogs, guinea pigs or ferrets.
Swine Flu Can Infect Pigs and People
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