International scientific research shows that at an early stage pigs are susceptible to the pandemic H1N1 2009 virus but that infected pigs only showed mild signs of disease. Also, so far, no evidence has suggested that animals play any particular role in the epidemiology or the spread of the H1N1 virus among humans. Instead, the World Organization for Animal Health reports that investigations led by competent national authorities point to possible human–to–animal transmission in most cases.
The World Organization for Animal Health is closely monitoring the world animal health situation including the infections of all susceptible animals with the pandemic H1N1 2009 virus. Regular reports of countries notifying the presence of the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in animals show disease surveillance in animals and reporting mechanisms function well and, that the very vast majority of OIE member countries act in full transparency with the international community.
As a result, the OIE considers that it is sufficient to certify the healthy state of animals for international trade during the relevant period before their exportation and maintains its position that no specific measures, including laboratory tests, are required for international trade in live pigs and other susceptible animal species and/or their products.
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