A study (1) carried out in 2022 in 116 farms in thirteen departments of the Great West demonstrates the very high exposure of pig farms to type A influenza viruses. “More than 90% of them are infected”notes Agnès Jardin, veterinarian and technical manager of the pork range at Ceva Animal Health.
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This study based on blood samples taken in a slaughterhouse highlights that more than a third of farms are exposed to several viral lineages. “ This multiple exposure constitutes a situation conducive to viral reassortments “, she warns.
The most common virus is H1avN1, which is found in more than one in two farms (53%), followed by H1avN2 (36%). Note the “notable” circulation of the H1N1pdm virus in nearly 20% of farms. “ This prevalence concerned us, since this virus was very little detected in the Great West until 2020 and it also circulates in humans », Comments the veterinarian. The H1huN2 virus persists in 10% of farms.
« The number of farms tested in this study and their location made it possible to carry out a precise inventory of the prevalence of viruses of the flu circulating in pig farms in the Great West », analyzes Agnès Jardin. “ It effectively complements the event monitoring carried out either by the Résavip network or with the support of Ceva. Event monitoring is based on the direct search for influenza viruses in the oronasal secretions of sick pigs.. »
(1) This study was communicated in 2023 to the ESPHM (European Symposium of Porcine Health Management).
