U.S. health authorities recently reported a case of avian influenza, or bird flu, found in a pig on an Oregon farm, marking the first detection of this virus in swine within the country.
Share Water Sources
This unusual transmission has raised concerns that bird flu could potentially become a public health risk for humans as well, according to El Economista.
The infected pig was discovered this week at a farm in Crook County, where multiple animal species, including sheep and goats, share water sources and living spaces, conditions that can facilitate interspecies transmission.
Last week, farm officials detected bird flu among the farm’s poultry. Following further testing, it was confirmed that one of the five pigs on the property had also contracted the virus, setting off alarm bells for cross-species infection risks.
Placed Under Quarantine
In response, the farm has been placed under quarantine, and the five pigs were euthanized to allow for additional testing.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has assured the public that there is no risk to the country’s pork supply, with no concerns about meat safety following this isolated case.
However, the appearance of avian influenza in a pig has raised concerns among experts.
Jennifer Nuzzo, a pandemic researcher at Brown University, explained to AP that while there’s no immediate threat to public health, cases like these can signal the potential for the virus to adapt and spread, which could present a greater risk in the future.
