Interspecies Interactions and Potential Influenza A Virus Risk in Small Swine Farms in Peru

The recent avian influenza epidemic in Asia and the H1N1 pandemic demonstrated that influenza A viruses pose a threat to global public health. The animal origins of the viruses confirmed the potential for interspecies transmission. Swine are hypothesized to be prime mixing vessels due to the dual receptivity of their trachea to human and avian strains. Additionally, avian and human influenza viruses have previously been isolated in swine. Therefore, understanding interspecies contact on smallholder swine farms and its potential role in the transmission of pathogens such as influenza virus is very important.
BMC Infectious Diseases v12:58, published on line 15 March 2012. This Provisional PDF corresponds to the article as it appeared upon acceptance. The original document contains color images.