What can be done to identify influenza viruses circulating in animals that have pandemic potential?

The emergence of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in humans highlights the need for better surveillance of influenza viruses in pigs and other animals.  The mixing of influenza genes in pigs can result in the emergence of viruses with pandemic potential in humans.

Improved surveillance of influenza in pigs and other animals may help to detect the emergence of influenza viruses with the potential to cause illness and spread among people, possibly resulting in a pandemic.  Early detection of such viruses can alert public health officials and aid in pandemic preparedness through the development of appropriate diagnostic tests and influenza vaccine candidate viruses, if necessary.

Last Reviewed: 08/22/2011

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• Seasonal Flu
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