Outbreak of swine influenza in Argentina reveals a non-contemporary human H3N2 virus highly transmissible among pigs.

Sporadic outbreaks of human H3N2 influenza A virus (IAV) infections in swine populations have been reported in Asia, Europe and North America since 1970. In South America, serological surveys in pigs indicate that IAVs of the H3 and H1 subtypes are currently in circulation; however, neither virus isolation nor characterization has been reported. In November 2008, an outbreak of respiratory disease in pigs consistent with swine influenza virus (SIV) infection was detected in Argentina.

First Report in Argentina of Plum pox virus Causing Sharka Disease in Prunus.

Sharka disease, caused by Plum pox virus (PPV), is probably the most important disease of stone fruits crops worldwide because of tremendous yield losses from infected trees (1). During November 2004, symptoms resembling sharka disease were observed in a plum and apricot orchard consisting of 5,000 trees in Pocito, San Juan Province, Argentina. Apricot leaves showed chlorotic spots while plum leaves showed chlorotic rings, spots, and irregular edges.