H5N1 Bird Flu Detected in Oregon Pig for First Time in US, 442 Infected Herds Reported

Nov 4, 2024, 02:11 PM

The H5N1 avian influenza virus has been detected in a pig on a farm in Oregon, marking the first instance of this virus being found in pigs in the United States. Experts are concerned because pigs can serve as 'mixing vessels' for influenza viruses, potentially allowing avian viruses to adapt and spread among humans. Since its arrival in the U.S. in 2022, H5N1 has been closely monitored by health officials. The USDA has also reported a significant rise in H5N1 cases among dairy herds, with 38 new infected herds identified, including 30 in California and 8 in Utah, bringing the cumulative total of infected dairy herds to 442 across 15 states. Additionally, the USDA has confirmed outbreaks in California's commercial turkey farms, affecting 48,300 turkeys. While the risk to humans remains low, the presence of H5N1 in pigs raises alarm about the potential for the virus to evolve into a more dangerous strain.