Influenza in animals: its possible public health significance.

Abstract

There often appears to be an epidemiologic association between human and animal influenza outbreaks. Serologic studies have demonstrated that the influenza viruses of avian, swine, and equine species may be closely related to the influenza viruses of man. Isolation of viruses common to man and animals have been claimed. It appears certain that human and animal influenza viruses do sometimes share common antigens. The exact relationship between human and animal influenza is not yet understood and will require additional study.