Researchers in China have discovered a new strain of H1N1 swine flu virus that has a “pandemic potential” in pigs.
However, the spread is still in the early stages and has not moved to human transmission stage as yet, according to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
But what is alarming is that the virus is a new strain and people do not have immunity or any vaccine-related to it, the study added.
The strain is similar to the European avian-like H1N1 virus that had caused the 2009 pandemic in Mexico. The virus mutates in the pig’s body before transmitting to a human body.
The new virus is called G4 Genotype and is found in pigs as they are the only known mammals that are susceptible to both avian and human viruses as they have receptors for both types in their bodies.
According to the media reports, the study has suggested that measures to control the virus in pigs and close monitoring of swine industry workers should be swiftly implemented.
