The infection was discovered on a backyard farm located in Crook County, central Oregon, where various animals share water and living spaces. The farm had previously reported the presence of the virus in chickens last week, and subsequent testing revealed that one out of five pigs on the farm was infected. In response, the farm was quarantined, and all five pigs were euthanized to conduct further testing.
While this farm is not commercial and USDA officials have stated that there are no concerns regarding the nation’s pork supply, the detection of the virus in pigs has heightened fears about its potential threat to humans. Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Brown University, expressed concern that this finding could indicate a step towards the virus becoming a more significant danger to people.
Nuzzo noted that pigs can be infected by various strains of the flu and may play a role in adapting avian viruses for better transmission to humans. She referenced the H1N1 pandemic of 2009, which originated from pigs, underscoring the importance of monitoring for any viral mutations that could enhance transmissibility to humans.
The USDA has conducted genetic testing on the chickens from the farm and found no mutations indicating an increased capacity for the virus to spread among humans. Officials indicated that this suggests a low current risk to the public, which is a reassuring factor amid rising concerns.
Globally, there have been instances of different strains of bird flu being identified in pigs, but these cases have not triggered human pandemics. Troy Sutton, a researcher at Penn State who studies influenza viruses in animals, emphasized that the relationship between pigs and the development of pandemics is not straightforward. He stated, “The Oregon pig infection is notable, but does it change the level of risk assessment? No, it does not.”
The strain of bird flu identified is H5N1, which has been widely circulating among wild birds, chickens, cows, and other animals in the U.S. Officials warn that the persistence of this virus increases the likelihood of human exposure and potential infection.
Experts do not find it surprising that an infection was found in a pig, given that the virus has already been detected in many other animals. Sutton remarked, “If the virus begins to spread more widely among pigs and if human infections occur, then I will be more concerned.”
So far this year, approximately 40 human cases of bird flu have been reported across several states, including California, Colorado, Washington, Michigan, Texas, and Missouri, mostly presenting mild symptoms like conjunctivitis. All but one of these cases involved individuals who had contact with infected animals.
As health authorities continue to monitor the situation, the detection of bird flu in pigs serves as a crucial reminder of the interconnectedness of animal and human health. It underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness to prevent potential outbreaks, especially as avian influenza remains a significant public health concern.
