Influenza A Confirmed at Queensland Piggery
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA - A Queensland piggery near Dalby has been placed in quarantine after returning positive tests for Influenza A.
* "It is fortunate that no pigs have left the property recently but all steps are being taken to ensure the virus is contained and does not spread to other piggeries." |
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Dr Ron Glanville, Biosecurity Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer
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Biosecurity Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ron Glanville said Biosecurity officers were responding immediately to ensure the virus was contained.
"Biosecurity Officers have placed the piggery under quarantine and are implementing strict on-site biosecurity measures," Dr Glanville said.
"This comes after positive tests for Influenza A were delivered to us late last night.
"It is fortunate that no pigs have left the property recently but all steps are being taken to ensure the virus is contained and does not spread to other piggeries.
"People should know that this is not a human health issue and food authorities maintain that pork and pork products are safe to eat."
Dr Ron Glanville said nasal swabs and blood samples from pigs were collected on Monday after a private vet reported a large number of pigs, in a shed of 450, were showing flu-like signs.
"The initial testing at the Biosecurity Sciences Laboratories at Yeerongpilly confirmed Influenza A.
"The samples have been dispatched this morning to CSIRO´s Australian Animal Health Laboratories in Geelong for confirmation of the Influenza A H1N1 (pandemic human swine influenza, which is suspected).
"Results are expected in the next couple of days.
"At this stage of testing, we do not know for certain if it is the same strain as the one affecting humans but it appears highly likely that it will be the same strain.
A case of pandemic human swine influenza was detected at a piggery in Northern Victoria last week and in New South Wales in July.
"QPIF is working closely with the piggery owner, Queensland Health, Australian Pork Limited, and the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to ensure a coordinated response is in place," Dr Glanville said.
"The infection should be self-limiting within the piggery and the response is designed to allow the disease to ´burn out´ as quickly as possible."
All pig owners should maintain strict biosecurity procedures on their properties and report anything unusual in their herds to the Animal Disease Watch Hotline.
They should continue to be vigilant with disinfection and cleaning when people enter and leave the farm.
