BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram

A new strain of influenza A H1N1 virus, pandemic H1N1 2009 virus (pH1N1-09v), was detected in the spring of 2009. In a few months this novel virus had spread worldwide to humans and animals and attained pandemic status in June 2009. The rapid spread was c aused by increasing globalization due to extensive traveling across country borders. It is unclear whether pigs serve as reservoirs for pH1N1-09v and/or as 'mixing vessels' between pH1N1-09v and other subtypes of influenza to produce new strains with zoon otic potential. In this project we aim to explore the disease dynamics of pH1N1-09v in a pig population that until the outbreak of pH1N1-09v was naïve to influenza. If pH1N1-09 becomes established in the Norwegian pig population it may adapt to pigs by mu tations and/or reassortment. This can result in new virus variants that may transmit back to humans. Virus evolution in swine contra humans will therefore be studied. The pH1N1-09v that affected the Norwegian swine population induced significant lung path ology with mild to moderate clinical signs. A better knowledge of the pathogenesis of the lesions induced by this virus will enables us in the future to pick up possible changes in virus pathogenicity. Therefore, the pathogenesis in pigs naturally infecte d with pH1N1-09v and previously not exposed to swine influenza will be described. In addition, virus-host interactions, in particular cellular and humoral immune responses in naïve pigs will be studied. The results from this project will therefore provide unique knowledge on the infection dynamics of pH1N1-09v in a naive pig population, and will give early warning to the human health authorities on the development of potentially new zoonotic influenza strains in the pig population. It will also give valua ble information to the food safety authorities and the pig industry regarding disease control measures to minimize economic consequences, improve welfare, and ensure safe and better quality pork products.