Avian influenza virus detected in pigs for the first time in the United States

It was discovered in Oregon, USA first case of H5N1 avian influenza in a pigAuthorities announced this on Wednesday. This discovery marks a precedent in the country, as confirmed in a statement by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The pig, which was not intended to be sold for human consumption, tested positive on Tuesday, four days after poultry on the same farm was also infected with the highly contagious virus. “This case represents the first detection of H5N1 in pigs in the United States,” the agency said. However, they assured that the opening does not affect the safety of pork in the country.

As a precaution, the infected pig and four other animals were sacrificed for further diagnostic testing. Although the animal showed no symptoms, it was tested to prevent an outbreak and the farm was quarantined.

Public health experts weigh in Concerns about rising avian flu cases in mammals, as increased transmission between them could promote mutations that would allow the virus to spread to humans.

In September the same country reported the first case of avian influenza in humans without known contact with animals. The adult patient, who had other medical conditions, was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 22, received antiviral medications, recovered and was discharged, according to statements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. .

Following this incident seven people who were in contact with this patient They presented with symptoms indicating that the virus had mutated and was being transmitted from person to person. This is something that the CDC is currently investigating before the fall, because with the emergence of various respiratory viruses, we may lose this chain of H5N1 infection.