AASV Position Statement: Influenza A Viruses

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause respiratory diseases in swine that can decrease pig performance, negatively affect health, and are sporadically transmitted to and from humans. The emergence of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus, as well as several other viral spill over events, reminded us of the importance of cross-species transmission of influenza viruses as part of a One Health approach. The continuous presence and transmission of a diverse array of IAVs in the swine population makes it apparent that reducing the burden of disease caused by IAV is important.

It is the position of the AASV that we

• promote research and surveillance programs for IAVs with the goal of discovering effective methods to control disease through farm-specific efforts, including but not limited to improved vaccines;
• encourage veterinarians and producers to review the IAV health plan including the vaccination of swine with approved IAV vaccines according to label directions and based on recommendation for strain matching, as well as other IAV control options through production practices;
• support the recommendation that people working with swine take all available precautions, including vaccination (with their human health professional’s approval), biosecurity, and personal protection measures to work towards prevention of bidirectional influenza transmission; and
• recommend pork producers, swine veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories actively participate in IAV surveillance programs that provide information regarding IAV evolution and epidemiology.

Approved by the AASV Board of Directors on April 25, 2024

This statement replaces previous position statements on Influenza A Viruses.