Reassurances after UK reports first human case of new Swine Flu strain in North Yorkshire
Health authorities have begun contact tracing to limit spread
The UK's detected its first human case of a virus strain that circulates in pigs - in North Yorkshire.
It's understood the person suffered a mild illness of H1N2 and has since recovered.
Sir Robert Goodwill is the MP for Scarborough and Whitby - he's also a farmer and has this message: "Don't panic we know that this virus which is quite common amongst pigs, there has been cases recorded around the world where humans can contract the disease. I understand in this case the person has recovered and it's a fairly mild illness."
"Whilst it's very rare for humans to contract this flu from pigs, it's even rarer for humans to contract it from other humans so I think we should put this into perspective."
Meera Chand, incident director at the UKHSA, said:
"It is thanks to routine flu surveillance and genome sequencing that we have been able to detect this virus.
"This is the first time we have detected this virus in humans in the UK, though it is very similar to viruses that have been detected in pigs.
"We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential spread.
"In accordance with established protocols, investigations are under way to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases."
Chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, said:
"We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans, which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important.
"Through our animal and human surveillance systems we work together to protect everyone.
"In this case we are providing specialist veterinary and scientific knowledge to support the UKHSA investigation.
"Pig-keepers must also report any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet immediately."
H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 are major subtypes of swine flu A viruses in pigs and occasionally infect humans.
Based on early information, the UKHSA said the strain detected in the UK differs from recent human cases of H1N2 elsewhere in the world, but is similar to viruses in UK pigs.
In 2009, there was a pandemic in humans caused by flu strain H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu.
This now circulates in humans seasonally.