Influenza H1N1 confirmed at south-west Queensland piggery

A piggery near Toowoomba has been placed under quarantine after test results came back positive for Influenza A H1N1.

Biosecurity Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ron Glanville said given the widespread presence of H1N1 in the human population, the occasional case in piggeries was to be expected.

"Fortunately, Influenza A H1N1 in piggeries can be managed relatively easily through routine biosecurity measures," Dr Glanville said.

"Biosecurity officers are working with the owners in this latest case to implement on-site biosecurity measures to ensure the virus remains contained.

"This is not a human health issue and food authorities maintain that pork and pork products are safe to eat.

"The infection should be self-limiting within the piggery and the response is designed to allow the disease to ´burn out´ as quickly as possible."

Dr Glanville said this was only the second case of human pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza detected at a piggery in Queensland following the quarantine of a piggery near Dalby in August.

"That piggery has since been released from quarantine after the illness ran its course," he said.

"The pigs at this site are now all in good health."

All pig owners should maintain strict biosecurity procedures on their properties and report anything unusual in their herds to the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline

They should continue to be vigilant with disinfection and cleaning when people enter and leave the farm.