The United States recently recorded its first instance of bird flu in a pig, raising concerns over the potential for the virus to become a human threat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the infection was found at a small, mixed-animal farm in Crook County, Oregon, a location where different species share water and shelter. Initial testing detected bird flu in poultry at the farm, and further tests this week confirmed that one of the farm's five pigs had also contracted the virus.

 

In response, officials quarantined the farm, and all five pigs were euthanized to allow for more comprehensive testing. The farm operates outside of the commercial supply chain, so the USDA assured the public that the nation’s pork remains safe. However, this case has underscored the potential for bird flu to make a “species jump,” sparking discussions about whether the virus might eventually pose a more significant risk to humans.

 

Jennifer Nuzzo, a pandemic researcher at Brown University, highlighted the concerns this development raises. Pigs are known carriers of various influenza viruses and can play a role in enabling bird viruses to adapt to human hosts. "Pigs can be infected with multiple types of flu, and the animals can play a role in making bird viruses better adapted to humans," Nuzzo explained. Reflecting on past outbreaks, she noted that the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic had swine origins, reinforcing the importance of vigilance. “If we’re trying to stay ahead of this virus and prevent it from becoming a threat to the broader public, knowing if it’s in pigs is crucial,” Nuzzo emphasized.

 

Currently, the USDA has conducted genetic analyses on the infected farm’s poultry and has not found mutations that would suggest an increased likelihood of the virus adapting to humans. This reassures officials that the immediate risk to the public remains low. However, bird flu’s continued spread in the U.S. is a concern. This strain, classified as Type A H5N1, has become widespread among wild birds, poultry, cattle, and several other animals, increasing the potential for human exposure.

 

Troy Sutton, a flu researcher at Penn State, weighed in on the implications of the Oregon case, noting that while it's noteworthy, it does not necessarily indicate a higher level of threat. "It isn’t a one-to-one relationship, where pigs get infected with viruses and they make pandemics,” Sutton clarified. Although the virus has affected many species, he said that a significant cause for concern would arise if the virus started spreading more broadly among pigs and led to human infections. “If the virus starts spreading more widely among pigs and if there are ensuing human infections, then we’re going to be more concerned,” he added.

 

So far in 2024, nearly 40 human cases of bird flu have been reported across California, Colorado, Washington, Michigan, Texas, and Missouri. Fortunately, the reported symptoms have mostly been mild, with the most common being eye redness. All but one of those affected had direct contact with infected animals, suggesting that transmission between humans is not yet a concern.

 

Based on a report by AFP 2024-11-01

 

 

 

...when pigs fly !