Researchers reported for the first time the seroprevalence of three strains of avian influenza viruses in pigs in southern China, but not the H5N1. The influenza A virus is responsible for annual outbreaks as well as pandemics that have killed millions of people world wide. In an article published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, researchers have proved pigs can be infected with both human and avian influenza virus. They believe pigs act as a "mixing vessel" for genetic reassortment that could lead to pandemics. Pigs have been infected experimentally by all avian H1-H13 subtypes, however natural transmission to pigs has been rare, until now. In a study, from 2010-2012, Guihong Zhang and colleagues of the College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China test 1080 pigs ages 21-25 weeks. The tested them for all subtypes of the Avian influenza virus including H3, H4, H5, and H6, and also H1, and H3 subtypes of swine influenza virus. Of the pigs tested 35% tested positive for H1N1, and 20% tested positive for H3N2. A study in 2001 resulted in no samples being positive for any of the Influenza virus. These researchers strongly suggest that the pork industry worldwide, test for the influenza virus in their pigs.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121219174158.htm
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