The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made headlines on Wednesday by confirming the outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in a pig on a backyard farm in Oregon. This marks the virus's first known incidence in swine across the United States.
While officials reassure the public that the risk to the nation's pork supply and overall public health remains minimal, experts express growing concerns. Pigs can act as hosts for mixed infections, which may enable the virus to exchange genes and potentially create more dangerous strains that could transmit to humans.
Richard Webby, a virologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and advisor to the World Health Organization, explained that the detection on a small backyard farm is less alarming compared to a large commercial operation. However, he cautioned that if the virus spreads among pigs, the implications could be far more serious.
In response to the outbreak, the Oregon farm is currently under strict quarantine. All poultry and swine present have been culled to prevent further transmission, and additional testing on the remaining pigs is ongoing. Other animals, including sheep and goats on the farm, are being closely monitored as a preventive measure.
Experts suggest that the shared resources—such as water, shelter, and equipment—between pigs and poultry likely facilitated the transmission of the H5N1 virus, mirroring patterns observed in previous animal-to-animal outbreaks.
Marie Culhane, a professor at the University of Minnesota, emphasized that this detection serves as a critical warning for pig farmers to maintain heightened vigilance against potential infections. She stressed the importance of preparedness, given pigs' particular vulnerability to flu viruses.
The economic impact of the outbreak was immediate, with lean hog futures experiencing a downturn at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange following the USDA's announcement. Although the affected pigs in Oregon were not intended for commercial food production, market sentiment was still negatively affected.
Globally, the H5N1 virus continues to pose a persistent threat, with 36 human cases identified this year alone—primarily among farm workers exposed to infected animals. Since the outbreak began in 2022, over 100 million poultry birds have been culled across the United States in efforts to control the spread of the virus.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
