Influenza cases in NSW piggery

31 July 2009
DAFF09/008D

New South Wales Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Bruce Christie, informed me today of cases of H1 Influenza A in pigs at a commercial piggery in central west NSW.

The exact influenza strain will not be confirmed until further testing is complete.

While we cannot yet confirm the strain, all precautions are being taken to contain the virus on-site. There is no evidence of influenza being present in any other pig herd in Australia.

Procedures to contain and eradicate the virus within the piggery are underway including the activation of the industry disease response plan at that location. Officers from NSW Department of Industry and Investment are assisting in this process.

It is important to note that both national and international food authorities continue to stress there is no evidence to suggest influenza can be transmitted to people through eating pork products.

Relevant international agriculture authorities are being notified of the situation in line with our reporting obligations.

Dr Andy Carroll
Chief Veterinary Officer (Australia)
Delegate to the OIE (Australia)
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Further inquiries to: Media