The 2009 flu pandemic in Asia, part of an epidemic in 2009 of a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 causing what has been commonly called swine flu, afflicted at least 394,133 people in Asia with 2,137 confirmed deaths: there were 1,035 deaths confirmed in India, 737 deaths in China, 415 deaths in Turkey, 192 deaths in Thailand, and 170 deaths in South Korea. Among the Asian countries, South Korea had the most confirmed cases, followed by China, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
On 27 April 2009 Azerbaijan imposed a ban on import of animal husbandry products from the Americas. According to the Chief of the State Veterinary Service under the Agriculture Ministry Ismayil Hasanov, products brought to the country on that day received certificates and it was confirmed that those products were safe.AZAL took additional safety measures and a sanitary quarantine unit of the Health Ministry started to operate in Heydar Aliyev International Airport with all aircraft and passengers being checked.
Azeri Minister of Health Ogtay Shiraliyev said the order prepared by him considers implementation of necessary measures in the epidemiological and various medical centers. "Azerbaijan is ready for this issue", he said. According to the Agriculture Minister Ismat Abbasov, the State Veterinary Service is holding monitoring in the regions and pigs are kept in closed places in farms. Abbasov also said: "I can say with full responsibility that the situation on prevention against swine flu virus is stable in Azerbaijan". On 31 July, First Case of Influenza A(H1N1) was confirmed.