COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
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COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
H1N2 viruses commonly circulate in North American swine herds.
H1N2 influenza is known to occur in swine herds around the world. It is an infectious respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. This is not a food-borne illness associated with eating pork.
Some pigs infected with influenza may not show any signs of illness at all; however, more typically, signs of H1N2 influenza in pigs can include:
If H1N2 influenza is suspected or confirmed in your herd, call your veterinarian immediately.
H1N2 influenza is a provincially notifiable disease. Veterinarians must report all suspected or confirmed cases to the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (OCPV) within 24 hours:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-3448
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
After business hours: 1-800-524-0051
H1N2v is rare and the spread of infection between humans is very rare. Human infections with H1N2v usually result in mild respiratory illness, with symptoms similar to those seen with seasonal influenza. Most people will have uncomplicated influenza and recover from the flu within a week or 10 days, but some are at greater risk of developing more severe complications, such as pneumonia. Swine influenza viruses are not transmissible to people through eating pork meat or other products that come from pigs.
H1N2 influenza viruses do not normally infect people; however, there have been infrequent human infections from these viruses. Cases usually occur following direct or indirect exposure to pigs. This is not a food-borne illness associated with eating pork.
Farm owners, farm family members, farm workers, and those in contact with pigs should protect themselves from animal-related influenzas by frequent handwashing.
They should also:
Individuals with flu-like symptoms should:
Anyone who works with livestock can also protect their animals by following sound biosecurity practices, including:
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