Swine Flu Vaccine For Pigs

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but rare human infections have occurred. (For more information about swine influenza infections in humans, see Variant Influenza Viruses in Humans). Swine flu viruses can cause high levels of illness in pig herds, but cause few deaths in pigs. Swine influenza viruses can circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans.

Description

A. Flu vaccines for pigs can help, but are not 100% effective. Sometimes the vaccine used may not protect against the virus or viruses circulating. In addition, current vaccines may not be effective in young pigs due to interference from antibodies received from the sow. Generally, protection of young pigs is achieved by vaccinating sows; however, those maternal antibodies are not fully protective for the young pig and decrease by the time they are 10 to 13 weeks old or sooner. Producers may vaccinate their animals after maternal antibodies decrease.

Features of Swine Flu Vaccine For Pigs

Swine flu (swine influenza) is a respiratory disease caused by viruses (influenza viruses) that infect the respiratory tract of pigs, resulting in nasal secretions, a barking cough, decreased appetite, and listless behavior. Swine flu produces most of the same symptoms in pigs as human flu produces in people. Swine flu can last about one to two weeks in pigs that survive. Swine influenza virus was first isolated from pigs in 1930 in the U.S. and has been recognized by pork producers and veterinarians to cause infections in pigs worldwide. In a number of instances, people have developed the swine flu infection when they are closely associated with pigs (for example, farmers, pork processors), and likewise, pig populations have occasionally been infected with the human flu infection.

In most instances, the cross-species infections (swine-origin virus to man; human flu virus to pigs) have remained in local areas and have not caused national or worldwide infections in either pigs or humans. Unfortunately, this cross-species situation with influenza viruses (human infections with swine viruses) has had the potential to change. Investigators decided the 2009 so-called “swine flu” strain, first seen in Mexico, should be termed novel H1N1 flu since it was mainly found infecting people and exhibits two main surface antigens, H1 (hemagglutinin type 1) and N1 (neuraminidase type1). The eight RNA strands from novel H1N1 flu have one strand derived from human flu strains, two from avian (bird) strains, and five from swine strains. The effectiveness of the 1976 swine flu vaccine is difficult to measure as the virus did not spread beyond Fort Dix. However, a 2010 study found that people who received the 1976 vaccine had a stronger immune response to the 2009 virus than those who did not. The authors also highlight other factors that could explain this, such as immunity from an earlier swine flu infection.

Possible side effects and complications

All medicines can have side effects, including vaccines. Some common side effects for flu vaccinations may includeTrusted Source:

  • soreness, swelling, and discoloration at the injection site
  • headache
  • fever
  • nausea
  • tiredness and muscle aches

In rare cases, the vaccine can cause more serious side effects that require medical attention, such as:

  • breathing problems
  • swelling around the face
  • hives
  • pale skin
  • weakness
  • faintness or dizziness
  • a rapid heartbeat

Prices of Swine Flu Vaccine For Pigs

$15.05-$15.46/ Bag

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