Transmission of the H1N1 strain from humans to pigs is a frequent occurrence, the researchers said.
The virus strain that caused the 2009 H1N1 pandemic has jumped from humans to pigs nearly 400 times, according to a new study.
The US team tracked the pdm09 strain of swine flu between 2009 and 2021 to provide information on its spread.
From human to pigThe study showed that the spread of pdm09 in pigs produced some mutations that then jumped back to humans.
“Controlling influenza A virus infection in humans can minimize virus transmission to pigs and reduce the diversity of viruses circulating in pig herds”The author pointed out.
What is swine flu?
Swine flu (H1N1) is a subtype of influenza A virus. It can cause influenza in humans, birds, pigs, and some other mammals.
The virus causes symptoms such as cough, high fever, headache, runny nose, and joint and muscle pain.
In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared swine flu a pandemic. The virus has jumped from pigs to humans and spread rapidly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), An estimated 151,700 to 575,400 people worldwide died from the virus in the first year of the pandemic.
What does the new study say?
The new analysis of the spread of swine flu is published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, Reveals approximately 370 human-to-pig hybridizations of the pdm09 strain.
Researchers led by Alexey Markin of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service also observed 17 cases of pig-to-human transmission.
Several cases of human-to-pig transmission resulted in “distinct pdm09 gene lineages” circulating in U.S. pig herds.
The researchers claim that these variants are “Genetically and antigenically distinct from human seasonal vaccine strains”indicating that the vaccine had little protection against them.
These findings further demonstrate Controlling Influenza A infection among people who work with pigs can help prevent the spread of the virus to pigsAccording to the authors, and reduce the risk of transmission to humans.
Zoonotic disease outbreaks likely to increase
Scientists and policymakers are increasingly recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental change, Human activities and the spread of infectious diseases from animals to humans.
Given that climate change alters ecosystems and affects the distribution of animal species, The likelihood of zoonotic disease outbreaks is likely to increase in the coming years.
The World Health Organization estimates that there are more than 200 known zoonotic diseases. There is also a growing awareness of the need to deal with complex issues Challenges posed by zoonotic diseases, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authorities are increasingly focusing on adopting “One Health” philosophyIntegrates human, animal and environmental health considerations.