Montse Torremorell, DVM, shares the risks from bidirectional transmission of influenza A virus between pigs and people. He says the frequent spillover of human-origin seasonal influenza viruses to pigs is a main driver for flu diversity, resulting in new reassortant viruses that threaten pig health, productivity and public health.
Results from a recent study evaluating masks indicate that wearing a mask decreased the detection of flu virus in workers. Study participants not wearing masks had the most influenza virus detections (24.27 percent), which was significantly higher (p<0.01) than all the detection rates for all three mask types (10.98 percent surgical mask, 8:33 [percent dust mask, 5.77 percent N-95 mask).
Source: National Hog Farmer, October 8, 2024. Link.
Despite well-known risks, little is done at the pig-human interface to prevent these interspecies infections.”