Changes in the “clinical form” of swine flu, which have taken place over the last few years, are to be discussed by an international gathering of veterinary surgeons and researchers in Germany, later this month.
At least 80 specialists from all over Europe are expected to attend a meeting which is being organised by the biotech company, IDT Biologika in Dessau-Wörlitz.
“Swine influenza is now more than just flu,” said the company’s head of international marketing, Dr Peter Hinsberger, highlighting study results involving a 260-sow herd with finishing pigs, in which swine flu cost more than £20,500 over a 12-month period.
“The clinical forms of influenza have changed over the last few years and we want to create an awareness of this. We also want to learn more about the epidemiological situation in neighbouring countries.”
The meeting, which is designed to “provide a forum for discussion on a pan-European basis”, accompanies the launch in Europe of IDT’s influenza vaccine, Respiporc Flu 3.