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2009 H1N1 Flu Virus Outbreak
Updated November 6, 2009
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November 5, 2009
We have updated our FAQ documents based on feedback and additional information we received. There are also new FAQ documents for pet owners and for veterinarians.
November 5, 2009
The World Health Organization has issued a statement that extensive testing has shown that the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has not mutated to a more virulent form. In addition, the WHO emphasized that H1N1 infections in pets were "isolated events and pose no special risks to human health."
Read the WHO statement
November 4, 2009
H1N1 confirmed in Iowa cat
A 13-year old cat in Iowa developed signs of a respiratory infection after several people in the household were ill. Preliminary testing was positive for 2009 H1N1 on October 29 and the results were confirmed on November 2. This is the first report of a cat infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The cat is recovering from its illness. To date, there is no evidence that the cat passed the virus to any people.
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What's in a name? Based on genetic analysis of the virus, "swine flu" is not an accurate name. The virus has also been called North American Influenza A (H1N1), North American Influenza, and Mexican flu. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recommends the virus be referred to as 'North American influenza', in keeping with the naming of other outbreaks of influenza in the human population. On April 29, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sibelius, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acting chief Richard Besser and other US officials announced the virus has been named 2009 H1N1 flu. The AVMA's materials have been updated to reflect this nomenclature. On April 30, 2009, the WHO announced it will refer to the virus as influenza A (H1N1).
The CDC has determined that the 2009 H1N1 flu virus contains genetic pieces from four different virus sources, which is unusual. The virus consists of North American swine influenza viruses, North American avian influenza viruses, human influenza viruses and swine influenza viruses found in both Asia and Europe.
The 2009 H1N1 flu virus was first reported in late March/early April 2009 in central Mexico and the border states of California and Texas. Since that time, it has become a worldwide pandemic.
The symptoms in people are very similar to human respiratory flu, and may also cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases, pneumonia can occur. To date, animals infected with H1N1 have shown mild respiratory illness or no illness at all.
H1N1 News:
(November 5, 2009) WHO releases statement on infection of animals with the 2009 H1N1 virus
The World Health Organization has issued a statement that extensive testing has shown that the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has not mutated to a more virulent form. In addition, the WHO emphasized that H1N1 infections in pets were "isolated events and pose no special risks to human health."
(November 4, 2009) H1N1 confirmed in Iowa cat
A 13-year old cat in Iowa developed signs of a respiratory infection after several people in the household were ill. Preliminary testing was positive for 2009 H1N1 on October 29 and the results were confirmed on November 2. This is the first report of a cat infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The cat is recovering from its illness. To date, there is no evidence that the cat passed the virus to any people.
(November 3, 2009) H1N1 confirmed in commercial swine herd in Indiana
USDA and Indiana officials confirmed H1N1 in an Indiana swine herd.
(November 2, 2009) USDA publishing results of H1N1 testing in domestic animals
In a conference call on November 2, the USDA announced it has begun posting the results of diagnostic testing for H1N1 infection in domestic animals.
(October 29, 2009) Nebraska ferret dies; preliminary tests indicate H1N1 infection
A television station in Nebraska reported that a family's 4 ferrets became ill after the family members were ill with 2009 H1N1 virus infection. After one ferret died, preliminary tests were positive for H1N1. Confirmatory tests are still pending.
Note: this news story incorrectly reports 2 known ferret deaths from H1N1. To date, the Nebraska ferret is the only confirmed H1N1-infected ferret death. The Oregon ferret infected with the H1N1 virus is recovering, according to the Oregon State Veterinarian and the Oregon State Veterinary Medical Association.
(October 29, 2009) USDA update on H1N1 positive pigs at the Minnesota State Fair
The USDA confirmed that 57 samples were obtained from pigs at the Minnesota State Fair and 45 samples were obtained from pigs at the South Dakota State Fair. Six of the Minnesota pigs tested were positive for H1N1.
(October 28, 2009) Update on H1N1 infections in swine and poultry
To date, 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection of pigs has been reported in Canada, Argentina, Singapore, the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland), Ireland, Norway, the U.S. and Japan. It has also been reported in turkeys in Chile and Canada. Based on the evidence available at this time, the infections were spread from humans to the animals.
(October 20, 2009) H1N1 confirmed in Ontario, Canada turkey flock
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed on October 20 that the 2009 H1N1 virus was confirmed in a turkey flock in Ontario. The Ministry reminds the public that this is not a threat to food safety.
(October 19, 2009) USDA Confirms 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus in State Fair Pig
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the presence of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in a pig sample collected at the Minnesota State Fair submitted by the University of Minnesota. Additional samples are being tested. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack reiterated that people cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products. Additionally, the infection of a show pig at the State Fair does not indicate an infection in commercial herds. Show pigs and commercially raised pigs are separate segments of the swine industry that usually come from different animal stock and are handled by different personnel.
The AVMA urges all people exhibiting symptoms of novel H1N1 or any flu-like symptoms to avoid contact with other people and livestock in order to prevent the introduction and spread of influenza viruses. The AVMA urges swine producers to participate in the USDA's swine influenza virus surveillance program.
Read the JAVMA News Express article (October 20, 2009)
(October 9, 2009) Oregon ferret infected with H1N1 by its owner
A ferret with a respiratory infection was examined by a Portland, Oregon veterinary clinic on October 5, 2009. After learning the ferret's owner had recently been ill with the flu, the veterinarian contacted the Oregon state veterinarian's office and submitted a nasal swab from the ill ferret. Infection with the 2009/H1N1 virus was reported by the Oregon State University lab on October 8 and confirmed by a US Department of Agriculture lab on October 9.
Ferrets are susceptible to influenza A viruses. To date, this the first confirmed case of 2009/H1N1 infection in a ferret. There have not been any reports of humans infected with 2009/H1N1 from a ferret. View the report on the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association's Web site.
As of October 30, 2009, the ferret was recovering from its illness.
(September 11, 2009) H1N1/2009 flu virus confirmed in swine herd in Northern Ireland
The novel H1N1/2009 influenza virus was confirmed in a batch of 5 piglets submitted for testing from a Northern Ireland farm. This is the first report of H1N1/2009-infected pigs in Europe.
(August 20, 2009) H1N1/2009 influenza virus found in turkey farms in Chile
Chilean authorities reported the identification of the H1N1/2009 influenza virus in turkeys on two farms near Valparaiso, Chile. The virus is genetically identical to the flu virus circulating among people across the globe. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, this finding does not pose a threat to Chile's food supply, but it does confirm that poultry can become infected with the virus.
(June 11, 2009) Current level of the novel H1N1 influenza pandemic alert raised from phase 5 to 6
Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Director-General raised the current level of the novel H1N1 influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to 6 on June 11, 2009. According to Dr. Chan: "The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic. We are in the earliest days of the pandemic. The virus is spreading under a close and careful watch. No previous pandemic has been detected so early or watched so closely, in real-time, right at the very beginning. The world can now reap the benefits of investments, over the last five years, in pandemic preparedness."
(May 2009) Current vaccines for pigs may not protect them from the new H1N1 virus
Researchers from the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) tested serum samples from pigs either previously infected with U.S swine influenza viruses or vaccinated with commercial vaccines. The ARS findings suggest that pre-existing immunity induced by older swine flu viruses may not protect pigs against the new H1N1 flu virus presently circulating in people. Importantly, vaccines currently used to protect pigs on U.S swine farms operations against swine flu may not be effective against the new H1N1 flu virus.
(May 2, 2009) 2009 H1N1 flu virus detected in commercial swine herd in Alberta, Canada
(April 29, 2009) Current level of influenza pandemic alert raised from phase 4 to 5
Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's Director-General raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5 on April 29, 2009. She stated that all countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.
For more information about the 2009 H1N1 flu virus:
AVMA
Pandemic preparedness for veterinarians
AVMA FAQs: The 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
For answers to questions the public may have about H1N1 flu and animals
Flu outbreak: There's more than one doctor in the house (AVMA press release, May 4, 2009)
(Video) Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association, explains H1N1 and how it affects people, their pets, and the food they eat. (May 1, 2009)
Dr. DeHaven, Chief Executive Officer of the AVMA, speaks with Bob Meyer of Brownfield (includes audio) (April 29, 2009)
AVMA advises consumers that pork and pork products are safe for consumption (AVMA press release, April 29, 2009)
Human Cases of Swine Flu Reported in U.S. (AVMA press release, April 23, 2009)
American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV)
H1N1 2009 pandemic influenza resources
CDC
CDC H1N1 Flu
For general information on H1N1 flu, general health information guidelines, updates on the status of the H1N1 flu outbreak, and travel advisories
2009 H1N1 Flu Frequently Asked Questions (including questions about H1N1 and domestic animals)
Interim Guidance for Workers who are Employed at Commercial Swine Farms: Preventing the Spread of Influenza A Viruses, Including the 2009 H1N1 Virus
USDA
National Surveillance Plan for Swine Influenza Virus: Including Novel H1N1 2009 Virus (PDF, 234Kb)
Guidelines for Novel H1N1 Virus in Swine in the United States (report) (PDF, 165Kb)
Guidelines for Novel H1N1 Virus in Swine in the United States (attachments) (PDF, 1.49MB)
USDA Agricultural Research Service H1N1 influenza research
Frequently Asked Questions About H1N1
Updated Statement By Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Regarding USDA Efforts Regarding H1N1 Flu Outbreak (USDA press release, April 28, 2009)
Facts about swine and pork products and this new human influenza (H1N1) virus
OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health)
A/H1N1 influenza like human illness in Mexico and the USA: OIE statement
More facts about swine and pork products and this new human influenza (H1N1) virus
WHO
Influenza A(H1N1)
For updates on the global pandemic of H1N1 influenza
National Pork Board
Recommendations for Risk Management at Swine Exhibitions and for Show Pigs
The AVMA would like to thank the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine, the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and the state veterinarians and state public health veterinarians of Indiana, Iowa and Oregon for their cooperation, assistance and guidance on this issue.
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