Communicable diseases, particularly those with the potential of becoming global pandemics, have important implications for airlines and their customers. A primary goal of IATA in any such event is to ensure a timely flow of accurate information to its Members, the traveling public and the industry as a whole. IATA therefore works closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE).  

Influenza A (H1N1 virus)

For emergency disease outbreak information, please see the Influenza A (H1N1) page.

See also: WHO H1N1 Information page

Advice to Carriers

Download the latest Influenza A (H1N1 virus)Bulletin_version1.0 (pdf).

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised that so far the transport of specimens to laboratories for analysis is working well. However, should the outbreak of swine flu expand there may be a need for a greater movement of specimens to the WHO reference laboratories around the world. Should that occur the WHO has identified that the assistance of all airlines will be required to handle a greater number of specimens to ensure that all specimens are transported without delay so that the outbreak can be brought under control as quickly as possible.

At this time the WHO is advising health authorities to ship specimens taken from humans or animals as UN 3373, Biological substance, Category B, and cultures as UN 2814, Infectious substances, affecting humans.

WHO Instructions for shipments of swine influenza (H1N1) specimens and virus isolates (pdf) dated 28 April 2009 

According to information received from the World Animal Health Organisation, there is no case of infection in animals confirmed in the zones where cases of human infection have been detected, it is not necessary to introduce specific measures for international trade in swine or their products nor to consider that consumers of pork products are at risk of infection.