The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Wednesday the first confirmed case of the H5N1 bird flu virus in a pig on a backyard farm in Oregon. This marks the first known instance of the virus infecting swine in the U.S., sparking concerns among experts about potential risks to animal and human health.
While officials emphasize that the threat to the nation’s pork supply and public health remains minimal, the detection has heightened attention due to pigs’ unique ability to host mixed infections. Such scenarios can facilitate viral gene exchange, potentially leading to more dangerous strains capable of transmitting to humans.
Richard Webby, a virologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and advisor to the World Health Organization, noted that the virus appearing on a small backyard farm is less alarming than if it were found on a large commercial operation. However, he cautioned, “If we start to see the virus spreading between pigs, that would raise more significant concerns.”
The affected farm has been placed under quarantine, and all poultry and swine on the premises have been culled to prevent further spread. The USDA is conducting additional testing on two remaining pigs, and other animals such as sheep and goats are under close surveillance as a precautionary measure.
Experts believe that the farm’s setup, where pigs and poultry shared resources like water, shelter, and equipment, likely facilitated the transmission of the H5N1 virus. This pattern mirrors other instances where close contact between different animal species has led to cross-species transmission.
Marie Culhane, a professor at the University of Minnesota, highlighted the importance of vigilance among pig farmers. “This detection serves as a warning. Pigs are particularly susceptible to flu viruses, and farmers need to be prepared and monitor their herds closely,” she said.
In response to the news, lean hog futures experienced a downturn at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Despite the USDA clarifying that the Oregon pigs were not intended for commercial food production, the market reaction reflects underlying concerns about the potential impact on the pork industry.
The H5N1 virus has been a persistent global threat, with 36 human cases identified this year alone, predominantly among farm workers exposed to infected animals. Since the outbreak began in 2022, the virus has led to the culling of over 100 million poultry birds across the United States.
This development underscores the ongoing challenges in managing animal health and preventing zoonotic diseases that can affect both livestock and humans. Agencies continue to monitor the situation closely to mitigate risks and protect public health.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
