A pig in Oregon has tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus, marking the first time this virus has been found in swine in the United States. The Agriculture Department is awaiting test results for two other pigs on the same farm, while two others have tested negative. Although the infected pig did not show signs of illness, there is concern as pigs can potentially carry both bird and human viruses simultaneously, leading to the creation of mutated strains that could more easily infect humans. However, officials have assured that there are no safety concerns regarding the nation’s pork supply, as the farm in question is noncommercial and the animals were not intended for consumption. Quarantine measures have been implemented on the farm to prevent the spread of the virus to other animals.
On a broader scale, the H5N1 virus has been rapidly spreading among dairy cows in the country, infecting 387 herds across 14 states, with 36 reported human cases mostly in individuals who had direct contact with farm animals. Although most cases have been mild and recovered, there is no evidence yet of human-to-human transmission of this strain of flu virus. The investigation into how the pig in Oregon was exposed to bird flu is ongoing, with the virus previously detected in poultry on the same farm. Additional testing will be conducted to determine if the pig was truly infected with H5N1 or if it had just come into contact with contaminated particles. Euthanizing the pig for further investigation has been recommended by experts to understand the extent of infection and potential risk factors.
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