USDA Establishes H1N1 Diagnostic Report

November 4, 2009 — 

The USDA has modified its H1N1 website to include diagnostic test results for pandemic H1N1 samples submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). All future suspected novel H1N1 detections will be posted on a list of presumptive and confirmed results maintained on the website.

The NVSL announced confirmation of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in samples collected from pigs at the Minnesota State Fair. Six samples have tested positive for the novel virus. A total of 102 samples were submitted to the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota from the Minnesota and South Dakota State Fairs as part of a CDC-sponsored research project to document influenza viruses where humans and pigs interact. The samples were collected in August, 2009.

The USDA also confirmed the first case of pandemic H1N1 virus in a commercial swine herd in Indiana. Sows in the herd began exhibiting clinical signs consistent with influenza-like illness on October 22 following cases of human illness in workers at the farm (who were sent home in accordance with biosecurity recommendations). The swine farmer and herd veterinarian responded by notifying the appropriate authorities and submitted samples to the veterinary diagnostic lab for differential testing to confirm the presence of the novel H1N1 virus. Public health and animal health officials at the state and national level have responded in accordance with previous plans - the appearance of this virus in the commercial swine population was expected and should be treated as any other influenza infection in pigs.

The pigs on this farm have fully recovered and were allowed to move as normal following recovery. The USDA and state animal health officials in Indiana remind the public that pork is safe to eat and that the virus is not transmitted in pork products. Following confirmation of the H1N1 pandemic virus in the Indiana herd, the USDA notified the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as per agreements regarding the reporting of emerging diseases.

The AASV encourages veterinarians and producers to continue to submit samples to the veterinary diagnostic labs and to participate in the on-going influenza surveillance program.