European

Swine Influenza

Network

The Main Aim

Swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease in pigs caused by influenza A viruses (swIAV) which leads to production losses. The intensification of pork production systems and free livestock movement across borders fosters the spread of the virus in Europe. New variants, some with zoonotic potential, constantly emerge. Recent human pandemics have highlighted the zoonotic and reverse zoonotic potential of swine influenza and its risks for both animal and public health. Despite the burdens caused by swine influenza, surveillance across Europe is scanty and fragmented. Disease awareness is low in some European countries, diagnostic protocols are not harmonized, most countries lack standardised procedures and vaccine coverage is inconsistent. Recent human pandemics have highlighted the zoonotic and reverse zoonotic potential of swine influenza and its risks for both animal and public health. An interdisciplinary expert network was therefore re-established to develop a comprehensive view of the disease and its impacts to better manage swine influenza in Europe. ESFLU’s aims are to:
  • Facilitate data sharing and analysis for swIAV surveillance with national and international agencies Establish the network as the European OFFLU counterpart and support global surveillance and pandemic preparedness
  • Strengthen capability in Europe to detect, identify and characterize swIAV virus
  • Establish guidelines for swIAV management and control in pig herds
  • Promote dialog between stakeholders and inform policymakers and the general public on swine flu disease burden and the risks to public health.

ESFLU’s launch on the 7th November 2022 – Brussels, Belgium

ESFLU was initiated with 76 experts from 25 countries. Today ESFLU gathers over 150 experts from 30 countries in an interdisciplinary One Health approach. The Action strives to advance scientific knowledge concerning swIAV, improve disease surveillance and management capabilities, benefit pork production and reduce risks to both animal and human health.

ESFLU’s first annual meeting in April 2023 – Barcelona, Spain

Experiences from STSMs

dr. Marina Meester, assistant professor at the faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University For the future control and surveillance of swine influenza virus, we need to understand how the virus is spreading across Europe. For spread across continents, trade of

Read More »

Second Grant Period – Call for Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) on swine flu sequencing data analyses, phylogenetic/phylodynamic analyses, and antigenic cartography  

The ESFLU network (https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA21132) is pleased to announce the 2nd call for STSM applications. Deadline for applications: 20/09/2024. Missions must occur between 1/5/2024 and 25/10/2024.  All potential applicants are encouraged to consider the objectives of ESFLU network and to apply

Read More »

Experiences from STSMs

dr. Marina Meester, assistant professor at the faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University For the future control and surveillance of swine influenza virus, we need to understand how the virus is spreading across Europe. For spread across continents, trade of live pigs has been suggested as main

Read More »

Meetings

25-27th April 2023
UAB Casa Convalescència
Barcelona

For more information about the venue, program, or directions, please click on the button below.

Working Groups

WG 1: Strengthen the capability in Europe for the identification and characterisation of swine influenza virus

  •  To share and exchange protocols and SOPs in order to strengthen capability for the detection and characterisation of swine influenza A virus circulating in Europe
  • To share information on ferret/swine reference antisera panels

WG 2: Increase sharing and analyses of surveillance and virology data

  • To share and analyse contemporary data obtained using the SOPs exchanged in WG1
  • To provide pan-European analysis of viral sequence data
  • To share and compile surveillance modalities and results
  • To share and compile HI data for antigenic cartography

WG 3: Foster knowledge exchange on surveillance and management measures to improve control of swIAV in pig herds

  • To review and discuss current surveillance schemes and diagnostic sampling frames.
  • To conduct a cost benefit analysis of improved surveillance and a risk assessment of emerging influenza variants
  • To suggest optimized sampling frames for surveillance and exchange tools for analysis of data from field trials
  • To establish a platform for sharing of evidence-based data on SwIAV with policy- makers, public institutions and authorities

WG 4: Dissemination, communication and awareness

  • To communicate information to stakeholders, policymakers and the general public
  • To raise awareness on swine influenza and its risk for public health
  • To contribute to a One Health approach to swine flu