swine flu/ in the news

[JASON]

2009 H1N1 flu outbreak
Main article: 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak
In March and April 2009, more than 1,000 cases of swine flu in humans were detected in Mexico, and more than 80 deaths are suspected to have a connection with the virus. As of April 25, 2009 19:30 EDT there are 11 laboratory confirmed cases in the southwestern United States and in Kansas [14] , and several suspected cases in the New York City metropolitan area. Following a series of reports of isolated cases of swine flu,[15][16] the first announcement of the outbreak in Mexico was documented on April 23, 2009. Some of the cases have been confirmed by the World Health Organization to be due to a new genetic strain of H1N1.[17][18] The new strain has been confirmed in 16 of the deaths and 44 others are being tested as of April 24, 2009.[19] The Mexican fatalities are said to be mainly young adults, a hallmark of pandemic flu.[20]

At 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, the New Zealand Minister of Health confirmed that 22 students returning from a school trip from Mexico had flu like symptoms (most likely swine flu). 13 of the students with flu like symptoms were tested and 10 tested positive for Influenza A, their cases strongly suspected to be the swine flu strain. However there is a possibility that the infected are not infected with the swine flu but other forms of the flu. The government has suggested that citizens of New Zealand with flu-like symptoms should see their G.P. immediately.

The new strain appears to be a recombinant between two older strains. Preliminary genetic characterization found that the hemagglutinin (HA) gene was similar to that of swine flu viruses present in U.S. pigs since 1999, but the neuraminidase (NA) and matrix protein (M) genes resembled versions present in European swine flu isolates. Viruses with this genetic makeup had not previously been found to be circulating in humans or pigs, but there is no formal national surveillance system to determine what viruses are circulating in pigs in the U.S.[21]

[aladatrot]

Do I need to get some type of vaccine for my pet hog? She only has interaction with one other sow. Other than those two, there are no other pigs anywhere near us. Should I even worry about her contracting something?

Cheers
M

[dabutcher]

good question.... i know the source of the flu has come from Mexico.  the news has been mostly of the human threat this has created.  i know the school district (schertz-cibolo) my cousin works at got shut down for a week so far cause a couple of kids came down with this swine flu.

[slimpickins]

I've been in meetings concerning this latest outbreak, and was told that it could become an epidemic.
I'll be in on mandatory conference calls everyday at 1500 hours, to be updated by the State health board.
Mandi, I asked our ag teacher about Wilbur, and he said not to worry, but a standard round of shots given to show hogs will be protective.
Now, this is in our case, Wilbur is in no contact with any other swine species, and is at ZERO risk of coming in contact with one (no hogs anywhere close).

The wild hog population was brought up at most of these meetings, and I forget the exact numbers, but it was less than 3% population affected.

[aladatrot]

I haven't ever vaccinated Delta. Did yall vaccinate Wilbur? I hate to think what she'd do if I tried to give her a shot. I don't have a squeeze chute, I guess I could just try to flip and tie her. Flipping her is going to be hard though.
CHeers
M

[slimpickins]

No, we have not yet, but I think we should. He has been sickly for the last 3 days,
Day 1 - Acted like his feet were tender.
Day 2 - Worsened, barely could control his hind end.
Talked to ag teacher and he said to give him 1/2 cc Penicillin.
Day 3 (today)- Jo said he was up and moving well and ate and drank this morning.

Going to give him another 1/2 cc this afternoon, just for good measure.
Once he's better, I think I'll get him a round of vaccinations they give to show hogs, just preventive stuff.

Jo and I were wondering if it was the Frontline she put on him 10-12 days ago that made him sick, but I think it has been too long for that to be the cause.
Who knows, but hopefully he's donig a lot better when I get to the house in a few hours.

He sure did not like the needle, but he's small enough that I could hold him, about 20 or 25 pounds.

[Crazy8]

Does anyone know the incubation time? And symptoms? And how old should a piglet be to be vaccinated?

[jdt]

mandi , if she wont let you give her a shot just put a bulldog on each ear lol j/k

i sure hope this blows over pretty soon .

[shawn]

should we start hunting in contamination suits and oxygen masks?

[jdt]

naaa  but ya might oughtta wear rubber gloves when you legg em lmao

[slimpickins]

The virus is can live up to 48 hours without a host.
Typical signs, naseau, diarreah(sp?), fever, vomiting, aching.
Basically all your typical flu-like symptoms.
Incubation time may vary from a couple of hours to 10 days, before signs are apparent.
Still looking on the piglet vaccinations, but as of now, wild pigs are not an issue, as it is confusingly referred to as "swine-flu", it really has little to do with swine.

[Crazy8]

Thanx for the info. I was a little concerned as I have a wild piglet in my living room
But it came from a hog that was caught for training and  a few days later we had baby pigs everywhere. Wonder if a piglet can be born with it from the mom?

[Purebreedcolt]

know i was tested for it this morning.  had a sore throat yesterday and then last night started running a pretty good fever.  test came back neg and they put me on pretty stout antibotics.  Dang i was starting to get a little worried for a couple of hours this morning though

[Crazy8]

thinkin about going myself this crap stinks hope you get to feeling better>

[Purebreedcolt]

thanks me too i hate sitting at home