Source  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 11/6/09

Because so far pigs have caught H1N1 from people, but not the other way around, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) sees no need to impose tests or other restrictions on international swine trade .

"Pandemic H1N1 2009 virus infections in pigs and other susceptible animals were assessed as probable from the very first days after the virus was detected in humans. So, it does not come as a surprise that notifications of infection in new animals species are received; on the contrary it demonstrates animal disease surveillance is efficient and functioning to the benefit of all," Dr Bernard Vallat, OIE Director General, said in a statement posted on the OIE Web site on Thursday.

The statement went on to say, "So far, no evidence has suggested that animals play any particular role in the epidemiology or the spread of the pandemic H1N1 2009 virus among humans. Instead, investigations led by competent national authorities point to possible human–to–animal transmission in most cases."

For this reason, the OIE said, it considers it sufficient to certify the healthy state of animals for international trade during the relevant period before they are exported and maintains its position that no specific measures, including laboratory tests, are required for international trade in live pigs and other susceptible animal species or their products.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.