Animals work well together, but there are certain things they should not share. In this case, H5N1 avian flu was discovered in a pig in Crook County, Oregon. The farm houses a variety of poultry and livestock, including pigs and sheep. About 70 birds were euthanized, and the farm was placed under quarantine. There have been no reports of other livestock showing signs of the bird virus. Experts are keeping tabs on things.
The first H5N1 detection in the United States was in pigs.
The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in a pig for the first time in the United States, marking an unprecedented development. The incident occurred on a backyard farm in Crook County, Oregon, where a variety of poultry and livestock, including pigs, sheep, and goats, are kept together. This discovery has raised serious concerns among health officials about the virus’s ability to spread across species boundaries.
The finding was confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which emphasized that the farm is not for profit. As a precaution, 70 birds on the farm were euthanized, and the entire location was quarantined to prevent the virus from spreading.
H5N1 bird flu virus discovered in pigs https://t.co/jE8AH3OEJu
— The Hill (@thehill) October 31, 2024
Transmission Concerns and Public Health Implications
The detection of H5N1 in pigs is especially concerning because of their known role as “mixing vessels” for zoonotic and human influenza viruses. Pigs are highly susceptible to both human and avian influenza viruses, raising concerns about viral reassortment and the emergence of new strains that could endanger human health.
“This farm is a non-commercial operation, and the animals were not intended for the commercial food supply. There is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply as a result of this finding.” – APHIS
The close proximity of pigs and poultry on the farm, including shared water sources, housing, and equipment, may have contributed to virus transmission. However, it is important to note that the pigs showed no signs of illness and were tested out of caution due to the presence of the virus in other farm animals.
NEW—H5N1 bird flu was confirmed in a pig on a backyard farm in Oregon, the first detection of the virus in swine in the US.
⚠️Pigs represent a particular concern for the spread of bird flu because they can become **co-infected with bird and human viruses**, which could swap… pic.twitter.com/8wMFApptQM— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) October 30, 2024
Ongoing Investigations and Uncertainty
Initial genetic sequencing of the virus from farm poultry indicates that it originated from wild birds rather than the dairy strain seen in other states. However, it remains unclear whether the pigs were truly infected or if their nasal passages were simply contaminated with the virus.
“This could be environmental contamination in the nose,” says Michael Osterholm.
A necropsy will be carried out to determine whether the virus was present in the pig’s lungs. This investigation is critical to determining the true nature of the infection and its potential consequences for both animal and human health.
Broader Context and Future Concerns
This discovery comes amid an increase in poultry outbreaks in western states, which have been linked to wild bird migration. The H5N1 virus has also spread rapidly among dairy cows, infecting 387 herds in 14 states. Since March, 36 human cases have been reported, the majority of which occurred in California and Colorado, with all patients recovering.
While there is no evidence of the virus spreading from person to person, experts remain vigilant. According to recent research, newer versions of H5N1 may be more capable of infecting pigs than older strains, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and research to avoid potential pandemic threats.
As investigations continue, health officials and researchers will work hard to fully understand the implications of this discovery and devise strategies to reduce any potential risks to both animal and human populations.
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