Rapid sequencing and genetic analysis of the pandemic (H1N1)V influenza virus circulating in pigs in Italy

will continue to pose challenge to public health and scientifi c community. General concern exists about possible mutation or reassortment between the H1N1pdm and infl uenza viruses circulating in human and animal, giving rise to more transmissible or pathogenic viruses. Emergence of resistance during antiviral treatment is a wellrecognised phenomenon in infl uenza viruses; surveillance for emergence of resistant viruses is of importance for monitoring this potential public health problem in the context of the H1N1 pandemic. Thus preparedness to identify new strains would require fast sequencing of the full genome of virus. Here we present an optimised workfl ow for rapid sequencing of the entire genome sequence of the H1N1pdm that has been applied to analyse several isolates from different pig infl uenza outbreaks.