H5N1 Bird Flu Detected in Oregon Pig Sparks Concerns

H5N1 bird flu was detected in a pig at a small Oregon farm, marking the first such case in U.S. swine. The USDA assures there's no risk to the pork supply, and the risk to public health is low. The farm is under quarantine, and necessary precautions are ongoing.

In a concerning development for animal health officials, H5N1 bird flu has been detected in a pig on a small farm in Oregon. This marks the first known case of the virus in U.S. swine, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Renowned virologist Richard Webby from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital emphasized that while the infection's location in a backyard farm mitigates immediate worry, the risk would escalate if the virus began spreading between pigs.

The detected farm has been quarantined, with USDA affirming that there's no danger to the national pork supply. Alongside constant monitoring, pigs and poultry were culled to halt the virus, underscoring vigilant biosecurity measures amid a worsening bird flu situation impacting millions of poultry birds.

(With inputs from agencies.)