With the pork industry already suffering major financial stress from 18 months of operating losses, the recent outbreak of Type A H1N1 influenza came at the worst
possible time. Although the virus has not been found in pigs, it is estimated the disease has cost the industry nearly $500 million due to the misnaming of the condition
as “swine flu.” It was announced last week that USDA is taking steps to make a viral master seed available to develop vaccines that protect swine from the Type A H1N1 influenza. In
addition, it has been announced that a human vaccine may be available by October.
Meanwhile, producers must continue to take every precaution in protecting their herds against introduction of the virus. “If a worker has been exposed to influenza from a friend or family member and they must enter a swine barn, they really need to be wearing a valveless, well-fitted N-95
respirator which will help prevent aerosol emitted from a sneeze being transmitted to the pigs,” says Wagstrom. If a person has body aches or is running a temperature
they may be pre-symptomatic for a flu infection. A sneeze increases the danger of virus transmission.
Employees must also be instructed how to put on, position, adjust, and remove respirators. In addition, the NPB recommends that all swine barn workers receive flu
vaccination in the fall.