Swine influenza viruses and novel avian-swine reassortants
Marie R. Gramer, DVM, PhD
Principal Investigator
Department of Veterinary Population Medicine
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
University of Minnesota
- Aims: Detect and analyze novel avian-swine reassortant influenza A viruses in pigs by identifying avian influenza virus (AIV)–positive turkey flocks and monitoring nearby commercial swine for influenza viruses; analyze spatial-temporal relationships and identify risk factors for influenza infections in turkeys and swine
- Approach: Following detection of AI-positive turkeys in Minnesota (based on results from state poultry testing programs), identify registered swine farms within a 5-mile radius using databases maintained by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health; analyze recently stored sera or collect serum samples from pigs and test for serum hemagglutintin HI antibodies via hemagglutination-inhibition assays, which would indicate exposure to AIVs and the need to monitor for novel reassortant strains