Menu
18/09/2009
Swine Flu Found In Pigs
As the total number of laboratory confirmed cases of human swine flu continued to rise - a herd of pigs in Northern Ireland has tested positive for swine flu.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said tests on a batch of piglets submitted by a private veterinary practice to the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute on September 11 have tested positive for the novel H1N1 Influenza A virus.
A spokesman said; "Influenza viruses, including Influenza A, were present in all pig producing countries, and were considered endemic in the pig population.
"Given that the virus was currently circulating in humans, the finding was not unexpected."
The spokesman said the Department was providing advice to the affected farm and would continue to monitor developments and provide advice to the industry as required.
The Department of Health and Social Services and the Health and Safety Executive have also been informed, however, the Novel H1N1 influenza A does not pose a food safety risk to humans.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health yesterday published the weekly flu bulletin.
It said that GP consultations for flu and flu-like illness have risen and are still significantly higher than rates recorded in the same weeks of previous years and are highest in the 5-14 age group.
It also said that 'Out of Hours' calls for flu and flu-like illness have increased and are highest in the 5-14 age group and that there were 34 new cases of laboratory confirmed swine flu during the previous week.
The total number of laboratory confirmed cases in Northern Ireland as at noon on 16 September was 228 and that antiviral prescriptions have increased during week 37 to 480 compared with 301 courses prescribed in week 36; a total of 9,221 antiviral prescriptions have been issued as at noon 16 September.
The officials also said the number of cumulative swine flu hospitalisations was 97 as at noon on 16 September and said that there have been two deaths related to swine flu.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said: "The number of contacts for flu-like illness made to GPs during this period has risen over the last week.
"The level still remains significantly higher compared to this time in previous years. The rate is highest in the 5-14 age group and this may be influenced by the schools returning after the summer break.
"Although, out of hours calls for flu-like illness have also increased slightly in the past week, primary care services continue to cope well despite the increased demand on their services," he said.
Earlier this month, it emerged that cardiac problems and not swine directly the death of a local infant.
The baby - understood to have died in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children - had however tested positive for the illness, but the child's heart condition was the cause of death.
See: Baby Death, Not Swine Flu
(BMCC/GK)
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said tests on a batch of piglets submitted by a private veterinary practice to the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute on September 11 have tested positive for the novel H1N1 Influenza A virus.
A spokesman said; "Influenza viruses, including Influenza A, were present in all pig producing countries, and were considered endemic in the pig population.
"Given that the virus was currently circulating in humans, the finding was not unexpected."
The spokesman said the Department was providing advice to the affected farm and would continue to monitor developments and provide advice to the industry as required.
The Department of Health and Social Services and the Health and Safety Executive have also been informed, however, the Novel H1N1 influenza A does not pose a food safety risk to humans.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health yesterday published the weekly flu bulletin.
It said that GP consultations for flu and flu-like illness have risen and are still significantly higher than rates recorded in the same weeks of previous years and are highest in the 5-14 age group.
It also said that 'Out of Hours' calls for flu and flu-like illness have increased and are highest in the 5-14 age group and that there were 34 new cases of laboratory confirmed swine flu during the previous week.
The total number of laboratory confirmed cases in Northern Ireland as at noon on 16 September was 228 and that antiviral prescriptions have increased during week 37 to 480 compared with 301 courses prescribed in week 36; a total of 9,221 antiviral prescriptions have been issued as at noon 16 September.
The officials also said the number of cumulative swine flu hospitalisations was 97 as at noon on 16 September and said that there have been two deaths related to swine flu.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said: "The number of contacts for flu-like illness made to GPs during this period has risen over the last week.
"The level still remains significantly higher compared to this time in previous years. The rate is highest in the 5-14 age group and this may be influenced by the schools returning after the summer break.
"Although, out of hours calls for flu-like illness have also increased slightly in the past week, primary care services continue to cope well despite the increased demand on their services," he said.
Earlier this month, it emerged that cardiac problems and not swine directly the death of a local infant.
The baby - understood to have died in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children - had however tested positive for the illness, but the child's heart condition was the cause of death.
See: Baby Death, Not Swine Flu
(BMCC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
15 November 2024
Ministers Unite To Promote Road Safety
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative. Ministers have come together to record a video encouraging the public to take responsibility and care on the roads.
Ministers Unite To Promote Road Safety
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative. Ministers have come together to record a video encouraging the public to take responsibility and care on the roads.
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
06 August 2009
Further Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
Lab tested cases of swine flu across Northern Ireland continue to rise. However, while many more people have been diagnosed as swine flu sufferers, the number of laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu have risen by just 16 - a far lower rate of increase than anywhere else in the British Isles.
Further Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
Lab tested cases of swine flu across Northern Ireland continue to rise. However, while many more people have been diagnosed as swine flu sufferers, the number of laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu have risen by just 16 - a far lower rate of increase than anywhere else in the British Isles.
06 January 2011
NI Swine Flu Cases Accelerating
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus is firmly back in the news as new cases continue to rise. A significant jump in infections recorded in Northern Ireland has seen the number of people treated for swine flu increase from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
NI Swine Flu Cases Accelerating
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus is firmly back in the news as new cases continue to rise. A significant jump in infections recorded in Northern Ireland has seen the number of people treated for swine flu increase from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
