First U.S. Pig Tests Positive for H5N1 Bird Flu, Raising Pandemic Concerns

The detection in Oregon highlights the potential risk of viral reassortment that could increase human transmissibility.

A pig at a noncommercial farm in Oregon tested positive for H5N1, marking the first such case in the U.S. and triggering concerns about potential human health implications.
Swine can act as a 'mixing vessel' for flu viruses, which could lead to the creation of a more transmissible virus if H5N1 recombines with other strains.
Despite the detection, officials maintain that the risk to the human population remains low, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
The ongoing bird flu outbreak has affected over 104 million poultry and 403 dairy herds across 14 states, with 39 human cases reported, primarily involving farm workers.
Food safety remains a priority, with experts confirming that pasteurized products and properly cooked poultry are safe for consumption.