The OIE strongly counsels against the culling of pigs
The OIE strongly counsels against the
culling of pigs in the current situation with A/H1N1 influenza that
started in North America .
Scientific information currently
available to the OIE and partner organisations indicates that this
novel A/H1N1 influenza virus is being transmitted amongst humans; there
is no evidence of infection in pigs, nor of humans acquiring infection
directly from pigs.
Moreover, and despite the fact that
the currently circulating A/H1N1 influenza virus is not simply a swine
influenza virus (it has reassortant genetic material of human, avian
and swine origin), it is important to note that swine influenza has not
been shown to be transmissible to people through eating pig meat or
other products derived from pigs.
The OIE advises Members that the
culling of pigs will not help to guard against public or animal health
risks presented by this novel A/H1N1 influenza virus and such action is
inappropriate. Instead, Members should focus their efforts on
appropriate disease surveillance and strengthening the general
biosecurity measures applied at premises where pigs are handled and
slaughtered.
The OIE is collaborating with its
network of reference laboratories and collaborating centres, as well as
with the World Health Organization and the UN Food and Agriculture
Organization in scientific investigations on the current situation and
will if needed issue further advice regarding biosecurity and trade
measures in due course. Thanks to these current investigations, the
pathogenicity (if any) of the circulating virus for animals should be
known shortly and, once known, will be the subject of a further
communication from the OIE.
In the meantime, Veterinary
Authorities should work in collaboration with human health counterparts
to monitor pig herds for any signs of unusual illness with suspected
linkages to human cases of A/H1N1 influenza.
April 2009
source OiE Int http://www.oie.int/eng/press/en_090430.htm