Influenza – Swine in Minnesota

Vaccines developed with pig models hold the key to tackling the global threat of flu

As the world continues to grapple with evolving infectious diseases, scientists are increasingly turning to pigs in the fight against influenza.

A team of international researchers, including experts from the University of Minnesota, believes treatments and vaccines that prove effective in pigs are more likely to succeed in humans compared to those developed using traditional small-animal models.

Size distribution and viral RNA load of influenza virus-laden airborne particles emitted from pigs over the course of an H1N1 infection

This recent article published in Nature Scientific reports by the Torremorell lab describes the size of particles shedding by pigs experimentally infected by H1N1 influenza A virus, as well as their associated viral load.

Emerging threats of HPAI in swine: knowledge gaps and the imperative for a One Health approach

Today, we are sharing a recently published review article by the Torremorell lab, available in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. This review article opens with a summary and historical perspective of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 cases in avian species as well as in dairy cows. It makes the case that considering the high mutation rate of IAV and the potential for spillovers in swine, a One Health approach including human, animal and environmental health needs to be taken. Information regarding experimental infections and field observations of HPAI H5N1 in pigs as well as strategies for diagnostic and surveillance, implications for biosecurity and management practices to control the virus are included. Lastly, authors explain the associated concerns for public health.

read the full manuscript

Evaluation of an electrostatic precipitator in mitigating the transmission of airborne viruses in experimentally infected pigs

Today, we are sharing a recent publication from the Torremorell lab exploring a new technology aiming at preventing the transmission of airborne viruses. The full publication is available in open access on the Veterinary Research journal.

H5 Influenza Q&A with Drs. Marie Culhane and Carol Cardona

H5 Influenza is in the news and many swine professionals have questions and concerns around recent outbreaks in dairy cattle and the potential for cross-species spread. We have answers to many of your questions, addressed by Dr. Marie Culhane, one of the UMN Swine Group’s Influenza experts and Dr. Carol Cardona, avian influenza expert and the UMN CVM Pomeroy chair in Avian Health.