NOVEL NON-PANDEMIC INFLUENZA A VIRUS DETECTED IN SASKATCHEWAN

A novel non-pandemic influenza A virus has been confirmed in two hog farm workers in Saskatchewan and a third case is under investigation. The workers have fully recovered.

The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture are working with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to better understand the implications of the virus and to monitor and respond to the situation as required. The Public Health Agency has contacted the World Health Organization.

The province is also taking precautionary action as a result of the detected virus. These measures include: heightened surveillance of humans and hogs, reinforced bio-security on the affected hog operation, and vaccination of hog farm workers in the affected operation. Health experts believe the new strain is responsive to the current seasonal influenza vaccine.

In most cases, these kinds of viruses are not transmitted readily between humans, resulting in what is called a "dead end". To date, there is no evidence that this strain has transmitted between humans.

"We remain vigilant in our commitment to protect the health and safety of all Saskatchewan residents," Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Moira McKinnon said. "Our ongoing surveillance detected the new strain, and we will continue to aggressively monitor and test Saskatchewan residents in the affected area."

"There are no signs that pigs are infected with the disease," Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Greg Douglas said. "We are working closely with CFIA to ensure that any risks from the virus are dealt with. It is important to remember that only healthy hogs go to slaughter and that pork is safe to eat. Influenza is not transmitted by eating pork products."

The workers and animals at the facility - a large hog operation in eastern Saskatchewan - will be closely monitored in the weeks ahead.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787- 2359