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Influenza viruses from humans and pigs are so similar that humans and pigs can infect each other. Swine influenza viruses usually cause mild flu-like symptoms in humans. Because swine influenza occurs at the same time of year as seasonal influenza in humans, it is often not recognized as a cause of infection in humans. Affected individuals think they have regular flu. Especially in persons with close contact to pigs, swine influenza viruses should be considered as a cause of flu-like symptoms. This concerns e.g. pig keepers, slaughterhouse personnel, veterinarians.
In 2001, the BLV, together with the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), the Virological Institute of the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Zurich and the Swine Health Service (SGD) of SUISAG, launched the project "Surveillance of swine influenza in pigs and humans". This project, which has since been turned into a permanent program, serves to keep an eye on the swine influenza situation. Special attention is paid to the occurrence of unusually frequent disease and novel swine influenza viruses. It is also important to monitor possible transmissions of influenza viruses between animals and humans.
Pig farmers are requested to report pigs with flu-like symptoms such as cough and fever to the SGD or the herd veterinarian. During the farm visit, nasal swabs will be taken from pigs with acute flu-like symptoms and examined for influenza viruses. In addition, persons on pig farms who are acutely suffering from similar symptoms at the same time are asked to sample themselves with nasal swabs. This will help detect any transmission of influenza strains between humans and pigs.
