Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Swine Influenza Welfare and Prevention

Swine influenza causes significant respiratory disease welfare burden in pigs and has potential zoonotic implications requiring surveillance.

Key Facts

Swine influenza H1N1 and H3N2 strains cause endemic disease in pig populations
Clinical signs include fever, coughing, and respiratory distress in affected pigs
Outbreaks cause acute welfare deterioration across affected groups
Vaccination reduces disease severity and transmission in affected herds
Surveillance is important given the pandemic potential of novel swine influenza strains

Welfare Considerations

Swine influenza causes acute respiratory illness with fever, coughing, and weakness that significantly impairs welfare in affected pig groups. Outbreaks can affect the majority of a herd simultaneously, creating an acute welfare emergency. Vaccination reduces disease severity and duration while surveillance protects both pig and human health through early detection of novel strains.

What You Can Do

Support swine influenza vaccination programmes in commercial pig herds
Advocate for influenza surveillance as part of pig health monitoring
Learn about swine influenza welfare and zoonotic implications