Survival and transmission of swine influenza A virus within and between farms

Abstract

Influenza A virus in swine (IAV-S) survives for a short period within the host, and its survival outside the host does not seem to be a significant obstacle to elimination attempts. Virus circulation within sow farms appears to be related mainly to suckling piglets and recently introduced gilts. Three important ways IAV-S is introduced into sow herds are infected pigs, infected humans, and aerosol. Elimination of IAV-S virus in sow herds should be easier than for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, and it is possible to remain negative for IAV-S on a long-term basis.