First Ever H5N1 Bird Flu Detected in U.S. Pig

The U.S. reports its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a pig at a backyard farm in Oregon. The appearance of the virus in swine raises some concerns among scientists, but experts suggest the risk remains low unless the virus begins spreading among pigs.

In an unprecedented development, the H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in a pig in a backyard farm in Oregon, marking the first such case in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The discovery of this virus in pigs is notable, as swine were previously linked to the H1N1 pandemic and other flu outbreaks, according to Richard Webby, a virologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who collaborates with the World Health Organization on animal and bird flu.

While Webby considers the current risk minor, he warns that if the virus begins to spread among pigs, the potential for widespread transmission could increase significantly.

(With inputs from agencies.)