The main strains of swine influenza virus affecting pigs in France had remained unchanged for 30 years when, in 2020, a new strain named H1avN2#E (referred to as H1N2 clade 1C.2.4 in the international nomenclature) spread across farms in just a few months. Likely originating in Denmark, this strain initially emerged in Brittany before rapidly spreading throughout France, replacing the historical strains that had remained unchanged for three decades.

Anses scientists, notably at the National Reference Laboratory for Swine Influenza in Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, conducted an in-depth study on samples collected between January 2019 and December 2022, mainly through the Résavip surveillance network. They have established that this lineage is genetically and antigenically distinct from its predecessors, enabling it to evade existing immunity in pigs, whether from past infections or vaccination.

The emergence of H1avN2#E coincided with a sharp rise in swine influenza outbreaks, with 661 cases reported in 2020, compared with an annual average of 400 previously. This strain has also triggered more severe clinical forms, including severe respiratory disorders, hyperthermia and abortions.

In addition to its effects on pig health, this strain poses a significant zoonotic risk. It has been implicated in turkey infections and was responsible for a severe human case in 2021. The possibility of viral reassortment between swine, human, and avian strains makes it imperative to consolidate biosecurity measures, notably by reinforcing quarantines on the introduction of new animals, and maintaining virological surveillance even in the absence of regulatory obligation.

The European Commission and the United Kingdom agree to work towards a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement in respect of Great Britain.

As a result of an SPS agreement, the vast majority of movements of animals, animal products, plants, and plant products between Great Britain and the European Union could be undertaken without SPS certificates and checks.

The SPS agreement would cover sanitary, phytosanitary, food safety and general consumer protection rules applicable to the production, distribution and consumption of agrifood products, the regulation of live animals and pesticides, the rules on organics as well as marketing standards applicable to certain sectors or products.

The agreement would require that the United Kingdom dynamically aligns to the relevant EU rules. Within an arbitration-based dispute resolution model, the European Court of Justice is the ultimate authority for all questions of European Union law

How would the SPS Agreement affect the Windsor Framework?

An SPS agreement, together with the Windsor Framework, would greatly facilitate the movement of agri-foods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Until an SPS agreement is concluded and applied, the SPS arrangements under the Windsor Framework continue to apply and need to be delivered in full, both in terms of flexibilities and safeguards.

With the recent announcement of Colombia's accession to the trade agreement known as the “Silk Road”, the Government, through Invima, has identified food products with export potential to China, with the aim of expanding the export offer and strengthening the presence of the Colombian agri-food sector in Asia.

In addition to beef, which has already been exported to China for several months, Colombia seeks to authorize access to other foods such as pork, farmed shrimp, fishery products, poultry, and other processed products.

For the pork sector, this initiative represents a step forward in the consolidation of a more solid export agenda. Although progress still needs to be made in the specific approval processes for pork products, the willingness of the Chinese authorities to collaborate with Colombia opens a window of opportunity for domestic producers interested in accessing one of the largest consumer markets in the world.

Cooperation between the two countries continues; for the time being, progress is being made in the admissibility processes underway and in the registration of new establishments with the Chinese authorities.