H5N1 influenza has now been detected in pigs. This was something virologists had been worrying about ever since this highly pathogenic strain of bird flu started its rapid global spread in 2020. But why were we worrying specifically about pigs? And does this case – detected on a farm in Oregon on October 29 – change anything?
Tag Archives highly pathogenic avian influenza

Bird flu detected in pigs – here’s why virologists are concerned

US to begin bulk milk testing for bird flu after push from industry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon begin testing bulk raw milk across the country for bird flu, a significant expansion of the agency's efforts to stifle the rapid spread of the virus, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Reuters.

Bird flu spreading fast among EU poultry
Bird flu has been spreading fast among poultry in the European Union this season, raising concerns of a repeat of previous crises that led to the deaths of tens of millions of poultry in the bloc and fears that it could spread to humans.

State and industry input led US farm agency to relax bird flu testing order for cows
The U.S. Department of Agriculture weakened an emergency order last spring designed to prevent the spread of bird flu among the nation's dairy cattle after pushback from state and industry officials, according to state and federal records seen by Reuters.

No active bird flu outbreaks among Canadian poultry, CFIA says
There are no active outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza among Canadian poultry farms, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said today.

‘Awful reality’: Australian government spends $95 million to fight deadly bird flu
The Australian government has committed A$95 million (C$87.2 million) to fight a virulent strain of bird flu wreaking havoc globally. With the arrival of millions of migratory birds this spring, there is an increased risk of a deadly strain arriving in Australia, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

California reports five possible human bird flu cases
California is investigating five possible human cases of bird flu among dairy farm workers, in addition to the six cases previously confirmed in the state, the state health department said on Monday.

California confirms fourth human case of bird flu
California on Thursday confirmed a fourth case of bird flu in a person who had contact with infected dairy cattle.

Australia, New Zealand brace for looming bird flu threat
Australia and New Zealand are bracing for the arrival of a destructive bird flu strain by tightening biosecurity at farms, testing shore birds for disease, vaccinating vulnerable species and war-gaming response plans.

Hunters urged to take biosecurity measures against bird flu
Farmers who plan to hunt geese and ducks this fall should take biosecurity measures to ensure they don't transmit high path avian influenza (bird flu) to their flocks and herds.