ThePoultrySite Latest News
Swine, Avian Flu Genes in Same Virus
US - An unknown pathogen isolated from infected pigs at two midwestern swine production facilities in 2006 has proved to be a new strain of H2 influenza virus, similar to the one that caused the 1957 flu pandemic, the USDA Agricutural Research Service reports in the May June issue of Agricultural Research magazine.
First identified by a University of Minnesota veterinary diagnostician, this strain proved to have a startling new twist: It contained genes of both swine and avian influenza viruses.
Molecular studies indicate that the mystery pig pathogen is actually an H2N3 influenza virus closely related to an H2N3 strain found in mallard ducks—being seen for the first time in mammals.
Both swine facilities used pond water frequented by migrating waterfowl.
In the newly isolated swine H2N3, the avian H2 and N3 gene segments mixed with gene segments from common swine influenza viruses, giving it the ability to infect swine—as well as mice and ferrets
. This suggests the need for continued monitoring of both swine and livestock workers for H2-subtype viruses and other influenza strains.
ThePoultrySite News Desk
Latest Poultry Industry News
BIRD FLU LATEST:Bird Flu Alert Sounded in Jhapa
Changes to Chick and Eggs Regulations
Record Setting Texas Ag Goes Through the Roof- Legal Defense Tries to Stop Animal ID in it's Tracks
Show Debut for New Russian Distributor- Peta Claims KFC Ignores Animal Welfare Advice
- Hubbard LLC appoints Jiggs Killgore as Director of Hatcheries
Gecko in Egg Could Hold Key to Salmonella
Chick Delivery Hatches Whole New Industry- Intervet / Schering Plough Animal Health at VIV Europe in Moscow
