H1N1 Surveillance Plan and Swine Sample Submissions to the ISU-VDL

July 8, 2009 — Dr. Rodger Main

The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU-VDL) has been working closely with industry stakeholders and animal health officials to attain a clear understanding of the USDA's recently introduced H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus Surveillance Plan.

The following document describes the effects of the USDA's Voluntary H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus Surveillance Plan on ISU-VDL swine submissions. Participation in this USDA voluntary surveillance program requires the submitting veterinarians to provide written acknowledgment of their desire to have the H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus differential diagnostic testing conducted, and thereby be included in the associated surveillance and reporting stream. Without a written request from the submitting veterinarian, the ISU-VDL will not test for the novel H1N1 strain. The ISU-VDL understands the importance and sensitivity of this situation; and is committed to keeping stakeholders fully informed.

The USDA recently distributed its H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus Surveillance Plan and a Guidelines to Response document. The State Veterinarian is responsible for interpreting these documents; and subsequently directing surveillance, reporting, and response plans within their respective jurisdictions.

The USDA identified three primary surveillance streams:

1. Swine herds epidemiologically linked to human cases of H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus.
2. Swine demonstrating influenza-like illness at first points of concentration. (e.g., exhibitions, sale-barns).
3. Participating* case-compatible swine respiratory disease submissions to veterinary diagnostic labs.

* Inclusion in the VDL submission surveillance stream is voluntary. Voluntary participation in USDA's H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus Surveillance Plan requires veterinarians/producers submitting swine respiratory cases to the ISU-VDL to either provide written acknowledgement of their intent to participate on the existing submission forms or by checking the desire to participate box (illustrated below) on the updated submission forms. "Participation in USDA H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus Surveillance and Reporting"

Additional information including an updated Diagnostic Examination Submission Form and an updated Serum Submission Form along with a flow chart detailing sample submissions subject to the influenza surveillance program can be found on the ISU-VDL website.

The USDA's suggested response plan upon identifying the H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus in domestic pigs is aimed at minimizing viral spread and human exposure. Each State Veterinarian is responsible for initiating and directing the response following a positive diagnosis on a case-by-case basis. The USDA's guidelines are generally broad, and may involve restrictions on pig movement.

The ISU-VDL wholly understands the importance and sensitivity of the USDA's recently introduced H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus surveillance and response plans. We are committed to keeping our stakeholders fully informed.

We will ensure ISU-VDL clientele are made aware if there is any change in the USDA H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus Surveillance Plan described in this communication.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve your veterinary diagnostic needs; and please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions and/or refer to the ISU-VDL website for H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus associated information.

Source: Dr. Rodger Main, ISU-VDL

---

Dr. Rodger Main, Director, ISU-VDL