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History and Epidemiology of Swine Influenza in Europe

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Book cover Swine Influenza

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology ((CT MICROBIOLOGY,volume 370))

Abstract

In Europe, swine influenza is considered one of the most important primary pathogens of swine respiratory disease and infection is primarily with H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 influenza A viruses. The antigenetic characteristics of these viruses distinguish them from others circulating at a global level in pigs. These viruses have remained endemic in European pig populations but significant differences in the circulation of these strains occur at a regional level across Europe. The dynamic of co-circulation of viruses, impact of prior immunity, husbandry practices and other local factors all contribute to the complex epidemiology. Surveillance programmes in European pigs did not reveal the presence of pandemic H1N1 virus prior to its detection in humans in 2009 but there is evidence that the virus can be maintained in European pigs even when there are relatively good levels of herd immunity to other H1 viruses. Evidence for the pig as a ‘mixing vessel’ of influenza viruses of non-swine-origin has been demonstrated in Europe on several occasions. Furthermore significant and highly variable genetic diversity occurs at the whole genome level for all virus subtypes and this has contributed to changing patterns of virus epidemiology over time.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK

    Ian H. Brown

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  1. Ian H. Brown
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Correspondence to Ian H. Brown .

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  1. Science and Techn. Ctr. of Excellence, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Mosier Hall K-224B, Manhattan, 66506-5601, Kansas, USA

    Jürgen A. Richt

  2. Dept. Infectious Diseases (ID), Div. Virology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, N. Lauderdale St. 332, Memphis, 38105, Tennessee, USA

    Richard J. Webby

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Brown, I.H. (2011). History and Epidemiology of Swine Influenza in Europe. In: Richt, J., Webby, R. (eds) Swine Influenza. Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, vol 370. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/82_2011_194

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