A pig on a small, non-commercial farm in Oregon has tested positive for the H5N1 avian flu virus. This is the first case of its kind in the United States.
The infected pig, along with four others on the farm, were euthanized to prevent further spread of the virus. While two of the other pigs tested negative, results for the remaining two are still pending.
Despite the pig showing no signs of illness, the USDA has implemented strict quarantine measures on the farm. This includes surveillance of other animals like sheep and goats.
Public health experts have raised concerns about the increasing number of mammals becoming infected with avian flu. However, the USDA has stated that genetic testing has not indicated any significant changes in the virus that would increase its transmissibility to humans. They are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
