ESNIP 2
2nd European surveillance network for influenza in
pigs
Time of action: ESNIP 2 started in January
2006 and is scheduled to end in December 2008
EU budget (funding): € 0.3 million
Abstract
The 2nd European surveillance network for influenza in pigs
will maintain and expand the surveillance network that was
established during a previous EC concerted action (ESNIP 1).
Three work packages aim at a better understanding of the epidemiology
and evolution of swine influenza virus (SIV) in different
European countries, through an organised surveillance programme
together with antigenic/genetic characterisation using standardised
methodology.
These data will be used to improve the diagnosis of SIV by
updating the reagents used in classical techniques and by
the development of a rapid, molecular test for SIV detection.
The virus bank and electronic database that were established
during ESNIP 1 will also be expanded with relevant SIV isolates
and information.
Beyond this, we will be better able to define the public
health risks of influenza in swine. This will be achieved
by serological monitoring of swine for avian influenza viruses
and by comparison of the influenza viruses that are currently
circulating in swine, avian species and humans.
ESNIP 2 represents the only organised surveillance network
for influenza in pigs and the first attempt to establish formal
interactions with human and avian surveillance networks. The
initiatives and interactions are entirely consistent with
improved pandemic preparedness and planning for human influenza.
The consortium consists of 11 participants who are actively
working with SIV. Eight participants are from 7 different
EU member states, five of which have been actively involved
in the ESNIP 1 network whilst one participant is from Bulgaria,
a candidate member state. Participation from third countries
(Hong Kong, USA) will facilitate greater global interaction
and worldwide understanding of the epidemiology of SIV. Comparisons
of swine populations in Europe and in Southern China, the
classical epicentre for influenza, for the circulation of
avian influenza viruses will prove invaluable and permit technology
and knowledge exchange.
Status (January 2006)
Project has only started this year.
Project coordinator
Kristien Van Reeth
Coordinator
Ghent University, Belgium
List of partners (listed countrywise)
UK – Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Addlestone
NL – Department of Virology (CIDC), Lelystad
IT – Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia
e dell’Emilia Romagna
FR – AFFSSA, Agence Française de Sécurité
Sanitaire des Aliments
DE – Philipps University, Institute of Virology, Marburg
FR – Merial SAS Research & Development, Lyon
ES – Laboratorios HIPRA SA
BG – National Diagnostic Veterinary Research Institute
(NDVRI), Sofia
HONG KONG – Department of Microbiology, the University
of Hong Kong
US – Department of Pathobiological Sciences School of
Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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