An investigation into human pandemic influenza virus (H1N1) 2009 on an Alberta swine farm.

On May 2, 2009 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency notified the World Organization for Animal Health that an emerging novel influenza A virus (pandemic H1N1 2009) had been confirmed on a swine farm in Alberta. Over a 4-week period pigs in this farrow-to-finish operation were clinically affected by respiratory disease consistent with an influenza A virus infection and the presence of active viral infection was confirmed in all production areas by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Despite clinical recovery of animals, there was reluctance by purchasers to receive animals from this operation due to concerns about the effect on both domestic and international markets. The owner decided to depopulate the entire herd due to impending welfare issues associated with overcrowding and economic concerns resulting from the inability to market these animals. Carcasses were rendered or composted and did not enter the human food or animal feed chain. The source of virus in this herd was determined to be an infected human. Zoonotic transmission to 2 individuals responding to the outbreak was suspected and recommendations to prevent occupational exposure are discussed.

Socioeconomic status, sense of coherence and health in Canadian women.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of sense of coherence (SOC) in the relationship between household income and self-rated health among Canadian women. SOC is a global orientation that enables one to perceive events of the world as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the National Population Health Survey 1994-95. Only women between the ages of 20 and 64 (n = 6748) were selected for this study. Data were analysed using multivariate path analyses. RESULTS: SOC is a psychosocial factor that intervenes in the income and health relationship. It did not function, however, as an interaction buffer to ameliorate the adverse effects of low income on health. CONCLUSION: This study lends support for public health interventions that target the socioeconomic conditions that influence health, and for strategies that foster the development of a strong SOC.