Report on Influenza Variant in Swine in China Lacks Context

Jul 06, 2020

Significant attention is being paid to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week. The study says a Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza virus with 2009 pandemic genes can facilitate human infection. Animal health experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), pork industry veterinarians and U.S. universities have reviewed the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and agree the study has scientific rigor. However, it does not contain important context essential for complete understanding of the present situation overseas nor the potential threat to the U.S. swine herd and consumers.

The following information helps broaden understanding of the H1N1 influenza virus in the study.

Eurasian avian-lineage (EA) H1N1 is not a new strain of influenza in pigs.
The G4 genotype, based on the whole genome constellation, has been detected since at least 2016, frequently in Chinese pigs.
USDA and U.S. pork industry experts encourage caution when interpreting this study.
Tests conducted on G4 EA H1N1 suggest this group of swine influenza viruses may pose a potential risk, however, no greater risk than other swine strains evaluated in similar tests.
There was no evidence in the report for human infection, illness, or human-to-human transmission.
Prior to release of this study, a candidate vaccine virus from a closely related EA H1N1 virus had already been contributed by the World Health Organization Collaborating Center at China CDC.
Since 2008, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the USDA have had a joint influenza working group to share information from pigs and people. By collaborating and sharing scientific information on influenza strains, significant efforts have been made to protect both human and swine health. The surveillance in pigs is made possible through pork producer participation and payment for the initial diagnostics.
It is the opinion of the experts who reviewed this paper that if this virus were in the U.S. pig population, it would be detected by the diagnostic tests available at U.S. veterinary diagnostic labs and USDA surveillance. EA H1N1 strains, including G4, have not been found in human or swine surveillance mechanisms in the USA.

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Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.