Avian Flu (bird flu) has been detected in a pig in a backyard farm in Oregon. The farm also has a flock of poultry birds which were recently infected with the virus. The pigs shared the water, equipment and shelter with the birds, which can allow viruses to spread from one species to another. When Avian Flu outbreaks began to spread among cow herds in 2024, experts grew concerned about the potential transmission to pigs. Scientists have long known pigs to be a “mixing vessel” where human and animal viruses can evolve the ability to jump between humans and other animals.
However, it is not yet confirmed that the pigs were truly infected or if or if the shared environment on the farm merely caused positive nasal swab test result. The viral particles may have been confined to the nasal passage, as opposed to infecting deeper into the lungs. An upcoming examination of the body will reveal the nature of the infection.
Full Story: CIDRAP
