Telecon on Influenza A (H1N1)

Scottish Government held a teleconference to start a dialogue and share information with industry, giving an opportunity to discuss emerging issues or concerns.

Current situation on influenza A (H1N1)

Four confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland. One contracted person to person, three holiday contact 19 probable cases

Elsewhere SE London contact
19 Countries and 30 of the US states.

WHO alert Level 5. No plans to move to level six

Today all households will receive information about Influenza A (H1N1)

Hopefully situation will stay like that. On indication in UK to escalate.

Business Continuity Planning

Encourage businesses to make contingency planning. Problem really because of the range of size of businesses.

FSA, COSLA and Animal Health Agency have contingency plans in the event of a pandemic.

No immediate concern but will share contingency planning with stakeholders.

To consider agricultural risks/priorities in the event of an influenza (H1N1) pandemic.

NFUS have identified problems that could occur if a pandemic

Haulage, collection of milk, delivery of pigs and poultry, maybe some legislative issues – fallen stock, drivers hours and farm inspections.

Agricultural risks will be seasonal since harvest time produces it is own but basically the issues are in four areas:- Food Supply, Economic impact, Animal Welfare, Environmental.

Fuel supply could be critical as well.

What happens if WHO go to level 6?

Depending on spread SG have plans and frameworks in place. The likelihood of moving to level 6 is greatest in USA.

No further cases of transmission from animal to human but pigs are endangered if the pig farmer has contract the virus. No evidence of this type of flu in British pigs.

More guidance from Scottish Government will be added here when it is received.