Bird flu has been detected in a pig in the US for the first time. It was found in a pig on a backyard farm in Oregon. The US Department of Agriculture says it has no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply and there’s nothing to suggest the bird flu is getting more transmissible to humans.
Fall waterfowl migration means it’s time for backyard and commercial poultry farmers to protect against bird flu. Oregon State Veterinarian Ryan Scholz says Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – or bird flu – isn’t going anywhere, and much like the human flu, the season ramps up in the fall.
“Those wild waterfowl – the wild ducks and geese – that migrate through Oregon on their southward journey, they are what brings this virus into our area and pose the most risk.”
On Friday, October 11th, Washington state reported its first bird flu case of the season at a commercial poultry farm. Oregon’s last detection was in March, but Dr. Scholz says the ODA is preparing.
“Even more so in the last 6-9 months, developing plans; developing how we will respond, not only to control disease in animal populations but prevent spillover in human populations if that happens. We do have rapid response plans in place. “
He says on-farm biosecurity is critical, which primarily means keeping the domestic birds away from areas where they might come in contact with wild birds.