Avian flu found in Vietnam pigs: FAO

The finding is alarming because pigs can become a ‘‘mixing vessel’’ for the flu virus. The immune system of pigs is similar to that in humans and the animals suffer from a wide variety of diseases that also infect people. Scientists say the bird flu pathogen could swap genes with a human influenza virus inside a pig.

The WHO has said this could result in the emergence of a new subtype of virus for which humans would have no immunity. Rychener said three or four pigs were initially positive for the virus and that he did not recall how many swine in total had been tested.

Experts have been taking samples from pigs as a routine procedure where they find them raised alongside chickens. Asked about the FAO comment, an official at the Department of Animal Health said: ‘‘We are not informed of any such finding. We know that the H5N1 is not found in the tested pigs from Vietnam.’’

The official added: ‘‘If FAO puts out that statement, they must make it clear where the tests have been conducted.’’