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Cambodia swine flu strains raise pandemic concerns
Researchers found reverse zoonoses of H1N1/2009 pandemic virus.

Researchers found 72 pigs with influenza A virus.

The discovery of 72 pigs with swine influenza A virus (swIAV) in Cambodia has raised concern about the virus’ zoonotic risks.

The researchers believe that increased swine production, as well as the global trade of pigs, could increase the transmission and zoonotic capabilities of this outbreak.

The findings were discovered as part of an investigation intended to increase understanding of how influenza A viruses evolve among pigs in Southeast Asia.

Influenza A is widely recognised to cause significant morbidity and mortality amongst swine and humans. In 2009, the UK saw a swine flu pandemic that resulted in hundreds of deaths.

The virus was spread through the air, when those who were infected coughed, sneezed, breathed or talked.

The research states that influenza A viruses are a key part of the ecosystem which results in viral emergence and zoonotic diseases. Pigs especially are considered to be drivers in the emergence of influenza viruses that cross species boundaries.

In order to gain a better understanding of swIAV landscape in Southeast Asia, the researchers collected more than 4,000 nasal swabs from pigs in Cambodia between March 2020 and July 2022.

The samples were taken from 18 pig slaughterhouses in Cambodia, across four neighbouring provinces.

Analysis discovered that 72 of the pigs that were sampled tested positive for influenza A virus.

Phylogeographic reconstruction identified that south central China was the main source of swine viruses in China and Southeast Asia.

They also discovered nine swIAV lineages in Cambodia, which highlighted previously undetected diversity in the region.

This included reverse zoonoses of the human H1N1/2009 pandemic and H3N2 viruses.

The researchers say that the repeated reintroduction and reassortment of these lineages heighten the pandemic risk.

They say that the rapid growth of pork consumption, combined with the significant impact of several pig diseases including influenza and African swine fever, means that it is vital to conduct routine and sustained surveillance of pigs to identify new viruses and their zoonotic risks.

They state that current methods of disease surveillance are not fit for purpose, and better methods are needed to monitor zoonotic risks.

The research was conducted by researchers at the Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the National Animal Health and Production Research Institute in Cambodia.

The full study can be found in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.