swine flu-The Hindu-29-08-2022

GS-3
ENVIRONMENT
CONTEXT :
More than 2,000 pigs have died due to the African swine fever in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa city.


PRELIM:

Know about Swine flu :

Swine influenza is an infection caused by several types of swine influenza viruses.
Caused by :
Swine influenza virus (SIV) or swine-origin influenza virus (S-OIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs.

MAINS :

Symptoms :
In pigs, a swine influenza infection produces
Fever
Lethargy
Sneezing
Coughing
Difficulty breathing
and decreased appetite.
Infected pigs can lose up to 12 pounds of body weight over three to four weeks.

How does transmission take place?
Swine have receptors to which both avian and mammalian influenza viruses can bind; this leads to the virus evolving and mutating into different forms. Influenza A is responsible for infecting swine and was first identified in the summer of 1918. Pigs have often been seen as "mixing vessels", which help to change and evolve strains of disease that are then passed on to other mammals, such as humans.

Do their transmission takes place between Pig and Human?
Yes, it happens rarely and occasionally. This generally occurs while man working on poultry farms.
Prevention
Prevention of swine influenza has three components:
Prevention in pigs, prevention of transmission to humans, and prevention of its spread among humans.
Proper handwashing techniques can prevent the virus from spreading.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Stay away from others who display symptoms of the cold or flu and avoid contact with others when displaying symptoms.

Conclusion
Prevention and control measures for swine influenza are based on our understanding of seasonal human influenza and consideration of potential modes of transmission. In some cases, the infection can cause miscarriage. Although mortality is usually low (around 1–4%), the virus can produce weight loss and poor growth, causing economic loss to farmers.