A biosecurity expert responds to the news that a piggery in NSW has been quarantined due to an outbreak of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu). For updates see: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/pigs

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Dr Stephen Prowse is CEO of the Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Disease.

“The influenza A H1N1 2009 infection in an Australian piggery is not a great surprise given the other three known occasions this has happened recently in Canada and Argentina.”

Dr Mark Lawrie is President of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) based in Sydney.

“It is not surprising that this outbreak has occurred with the increase in human cases in the last month. The virus spread from people to pigs. We are fortunate in Australia to have excellent systems in place in medical and veterinary disciplines to respond quickly and effectively to disease risks for both humans and animals. The response of the private veterinarian and the government authorities to identify and respond to the outbreak show how well integrated our biosecurity systems are. It is critical that they are maintained and improved to safeguard both national biosecurity and public health.

The public should not be alarmed at the quarantining of the piggery and there is no change in the continuing message that pork and ham are safe. This is an important opportunity to learn more about the disease in animals and people, as well as providing opportunity to refine our management of other exotic and emergent diseases.”