H1N1 Alert: WHO advisory on Pets and Mammals the H3N2 influenza virus

In a rare alert on livestock and household pets as well as vermin the world health organization is raising an alarm that the dreaded N1H1 vrius may also be carried by the animals we love and some we hate.

In the report , called a GAR or global alert and response released Friday dated November 5th, from the WHO headquarters in Geneva Switzerland says the possibility of the Influenza H1N1 being found in Animals has raised concerns for the health organizations epidemiologists.

This ...

early people should be aware that at least in three instance scientific evidence has been found in two mammal species Feline and Marsupial. Hence one possible explanation is the felines ate the marsupials -

Still monitoring the findings – but it is something to sort of keep a look at out of the corner of ones eye. Also N1H1 is also being checked in birds – so no this is not bird flu in birds but swine flu in birds. Cats sometime snack on pigions and rats are known to steals birds eggs or eat sickly young in nests when abandoned. Hence – the cricle of life may be carrying a deadly cycle of a deathly dangerous flu. But WHO alert is toned to remind us that this happens all though history with diseases - and pandemics.

Think of SARS, Avian Influenza, and, things like bubonic plague  Ok swiss doctors have no humor in presenting these topics.    Anyhow here is the briefing in full – still very general in terms.

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 briefing note 15

5 NOVEMBER 2009 | GENEVA — To date, extensive testing by laboratories in the WHO influenza surveillance network has detected no signs that the H1N1 pandemic virus has mutated to a more virulent form. Currently licensed pandemic vaccines closely match circulating viruses and are expected to confer good protection.

Vigilance for changes in the H1N1 virus includes monitoring to detect possible influenza infections in susceptible animals, both mammals and birds, as well as humans.

While most influenza A viruses circulating in mammals preferentially infect a single species, cross-species transmission is known to occur.

Infections in swine

Concern has traditionally focused on swine, which are susceptible to infections from human and avian influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. As influenza viruses have eight neatly segmented genes, swine could theoretically operate as a viral “mixing vessel” for the exchange of genetic material when an animal is co-infected with different viruses.

Such an event could lead to changes in the genetic makeup of the H1N1 virus or result in a novel influenza virus of unknown public health significance.

Since the new H1N1 pandemic virus emerged, a small number of infections in swine herds have been reported. Limited evidence suggests that these infections occurred following direct transmission of the virus from infected humans to swine.

These isolated events have had no impact on the dynamics of the pandemic, which is spreading readily via human-to-human transmission. As human infections become increasingly widespread, transmission of the virus from humans to swine is likely to occur with greater frequency.

Influenza in other species

In addition, pandemic H1N1 infections have been reported in turkeys in Chile and Canada and in a few pet animals in the USA. Again, these infections were isolated events and pose no special risks to human health.

The virus is killed at normal cooking temperatures. No human infections have been linked to the consumption of properly prepared meat or animal products, or any other food items.

Another concern is the continuing presence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in poultry in several countries, where the virus is endemic. While no one can predict how the H5N1 virus might behave under the pressures of a pandemic, all data to date have been reassuring.

Most recently, authorities in Denmark reported a novel H3N2 influenza virus in mink on several mink farms. Sequencing of the virus demonstrated a combination of human and swine genes that has not been identified previously in circulating influenza viruses. Testing of farm workers detected no spread of the virus to humans. However, the incident demonstrates the constantly evolving ecology of influenza viruses, the potential for surprising changes, and the need for constant vigilance, also in animals.

Close monitoring needed

These recent findings further suggest that influenza A viruses in animals and humans increasingly behave like a pool of genes circulating among multiple hosts, and that the potential exists for novel influenza viruses to be generated in animals other than swine. This situation reinforces the need for close monitoring and close collaboration between public health and veterinary authorities.

When influenza infections are detected in farmed animals, WHO recommends monitoring of farm workers for signs of respiratory illness, and testing for H1N1 infection should such signs appear. FAO and OIE recommend that animals that are showing signs of illness be examined and properly managed, and allowed to fully recover before being transported or marketed.

In addition, samples from infected animals and humans should be taken for full genome sequencing of the influenza viruses to determine if mutations have occurred that could lead to changes in virulence, host range or antiviral resistance. Such sequencing is also important to assess the possible origin of the case or outbreak.

Official notification

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infections in birds must be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), as must any “emerging disease” in animals. This would include infections with the pandemic H1N1 virus or other novel influenza viruses, when consistent with the “emerging disease” criteria for official notification.

These animal health events should be reported, together with the results of epidemiological and virological investigations, in keeping with OIE requirements for notification.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) issued a joint statement on the transmission across species. Human to Animal to Human and other possible mutations which the WHO attached in its briefing.

WHO presentation on virus Humans can become infected through close contact with ill pigs infected with influenza virus and showing influenza-like signs.

Consensus statement from an inter-agency scientific consultation on potential risks of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus at the human-animal interface

To assess the potential risks of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus at the human-animal interface, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) hosted a scientific consultation via teleconference on 3 June 2009. The expert WHO/OIE/FAO consultation made the following consensus statements:

Humans can become infected through close contact with ill pigs infected with influenza virus and showing influenza-like signs. This is presumed to be true for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus as well. Such occurrences are rarely documented through current surveillance systems.

The risk of humans becoming infected from contamination reaching the environment (e.g. through manure) is minimal as influenza viruses are not usually shed in the faeces of the pig.

The risk of being infected with swine influenza viruses through the consumption of pork or pork products is considered negligible. Influenza viruses are generally restricted to the respiratory tract of pigs and are not detected in the muscle (meat) of pigs, even during acute illness. Heat treatments commonly used in cooking meat (e.g. 70°C/160°F core temperature) will readily inactivate viruses and other pathogens potentially present in raw pork products.

People ill with influenza have reportedly infected pigs with influenza viruses. While this is possible, these events are not well documented. Those working with pigs should follow the same advice as provided to the general public and stay home if they exhibit flu-like symptoms.

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