Understanding influenza A virus: linking transmission, evolutionary dynamics, pathogenesis and immunity in pigs

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Swine influenza attracts considerable attention because of the threat of zoonotic infections causing human pandemics.
During the pandemic, a fear that viruses emerging from pigs may infect people resulted in the widespread destruction of
animals in some countries and trade bans. Consequently, the insidious effects of this highly prevalent virus on the health
and welfare of pig populations, estimated to increase the cost of production by £7 per finished pig, have not been given due
regard. The primary disease caused by influenza virus in usually mild, but results in greater susceptibility to secondary
infections. Vaccination will be a key control measure for influenza in pigs to improve general herd health.
Through our studies we will develop a more detailed understanding of the dynamics of virus transmission and the
consequences of transmission and vaccination in driving viral evolution. During these studies we will also define a range of
parameters, for example local and systemic immune responses and sites of virus replication, which are associated with the
onset and cessation of transmission.

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