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A recent report on the circulation of A(H1N1) subtype influenza viruses in the swine
population in China with evidence of zoonotic potential has alerted the world to the pandemic risk associated with swine influenza viruses. This particular genetic clade (1C.2.3) of swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses had previously been reported in 2016, and from 2016-2018 it remained the most commonly detected genotype of influenza viruses in surveillance undertaken in swine populations in China.
There is limited data about human infections and circulation of these viruses in pigs, but the viruses analysed in the recent report from China show the potential ability of the virus to infect humans.
A number of countries have reported sporadic human infections with novel influenza viruses
including strains of swine-origin in the past decades. Cases of human infections with swine influenza A viruses from the 1C genetic clade have been reported from Eurasia in recent years.
The 2009 H1N1 pandemic was caused by a strain of swine influenza A virus which was introduced into humans and spread worldwide. Since then humans have re-introduced these viruses back into pigs, where they continue to evolve.
It is important to identify emerging influenza viruses in swine populations and investigate their potential to infect humans. FAO, OIE, and WHO encourage continued surveillance and timely sharing of data to ensure that a One Health approach is applied to emerging influenza A viruses.
The development of zoonotic influenza A candidate vaccine viruses, coordinated by
WHO, remains an essential component of the global strategy for pandemic preparedness.
See the full report: FAO OIE WHO Tripartite Statement on the Pandemic Risk of Swine Influenza
September 9, 2020/ OIE.
https://www.oie.int/
