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Updated: 5th June 2009, 1015 hrs
Pigs an underestimated source of flu - study
Mexican researchers have said the risk that pig herds might be a source of the new H1N1 flu virus may have been underestimated.
They analyzed samples from people infected with the flu, and found that domestic pigs in North America may have a central role in the generation and maintenance of the virus.
The researchers also reiterated the potential risk of pig populations as the source of the next influenza virus pandemic.
Authorities have called for stepped-up testing of pigs.
They added that farmers, producers and government officials will have to consider the possibility of mass slaughter of infected pigs.
Quick slaughter of entire poultry flocks has been credited with helping to control outbreaks of avian influenza.
But pig farmers usually wait for the outbreaks of influenza among herds to pass, because they rarely make pigs very sick.
Pigs an underestimated source of flu - study
Mexican researchers have said the risk that pig herds might be a source of the new H1N1 flu virus may have been underestimated.
They analyzed samples from people infected with the flu, and found that domestic pigs in North America may have a central role in the generation and maintenance of the virus.
The researchers also reiterated the potential risk of pig populations as the source of the next influenza virus pandemic.
Authorities have called for stepped-up testing of pigs.
They added that farmers, producers and government officials will have to consider the possibility of mass slaughter of infected pigs.
Quick slaughter of entire poultry flocks has been credited with helping to control outbreaks of avian influenza.
But pig farmers usually wait for the outbreaks of influenza among herds to pass, because they rarely make pigs very sick.
