Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

The emerging news about a new variant human flu virus in USA and Mexico suggests that the virus is most similar to swine influenza viruses. However, it is understood that human cases in the USA are not linked to pigs. There is insufficient information from Mexico at this time to know if any of the cases in that country are in people who have had contact with pigs.

Influenza viruses undergo regular genetic changes and different influenza viruses can gain genetic material from other influenza viruses, even viruses more commonly found in other species. Current information suggests that while the new variant human influenza virus may have originated in pigs, there is currently no evidence that it is circulating in pigs in USA or elsewhere.

Latest situation

  • 27 April 2009: Preliminary Outbreak Assessment - Risk of introducing H1N1 “North American Influenza” to the UK pig population (PDF 200KB)
  • 26 April 2009: Following current health concerns in Mexico and more widely, the Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said “There is continual surveillance of pigs in this country and there is currently no evidence of this variant of the disease. Swine Influenza cannot be transmitted by eating pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is perfectly safe. Existing EU rules which prevent imports of all live pigs and pigmeat from Mexico into the EU will continue to be upheld."

Further information

Page last modified: May 1, 2009

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