Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals
Open Access

Pork industry intensifi cation and the changing ecology and epidemiology of swine-origin infl uenza

International Conference and Exhibition on VIROLOGY

5-7 September 2011 Baltimore, USA

Michael Greger

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: JAA

Abstract :

The 2009 swine-origin infl uenzavirusA subtype H1N1 (S-OIV) pandemic resulted in an alarming increase in pediatric infl uenza mortality. According to phylogenetic analyses, each segment of the S-OIV genome derives from swine infl uenza lineages circulating primarily in pigs for at least a decade before the pandemic emerged. Considerable genetic and antigenic stability had characterized most swine infl uenza virus isolates in North American for 80 years before the emergence of the primary progenitor of S-OIV, the triple reassortmentswine fl u virus fi rst identifi ed in U.S. pig herds in 1998, which became established throughout North America and generated further reassortment viruses and sporadic human infection. Changes in industry structure and husbandry practices that may have played a role in this shift ing dynamic are explored. Identifying and resolving confl icting priorities between veterinary and public health professions can bolster the One Health vision and may help prevent the emergence and spread of pathogens with pandemic potential.

Biography :

A graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and the Tufts University School of Medicine, Michael Greger, M.D., serves as Director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture at The Humane Society of the United States. An internationally recognized lecturer, he has presented at the Conference on World Affairs, the National Institutes of Health, and the International Bird Flu Summit, testifi ed before Congress, and was an expert witness in defense of Oprah Winfrey at the infamous ?meat defamation? trial. His recent publications explore the public health implications of industrialized animal agriculture.