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APHIS confirms first detection of H5N1 in swine

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the first detection of H5N1 in swine in the United States. The National Pork Producers Council confirms there are no food safety concerns following detection of the virus.

H5N1 was found on a backyard farming operation in Oregon that had a mix of poultry and livestock. The livestock and poultry commingled and shared water sources, housing, and equipment. The farm is non-commercial, and the animals were not intended for the commercial food supply. 

All five swine and 70 birds on the property were euthanized to prevent the further spread of the virus. APHIS says test results on the swine confirmed one positive, two negative, and test results were still pending for two others.  All 5 pigs were euthanized to facilitate additional diagnostic analysis. 

NPPC president and Minnesota pork producer Lori Stevermer says the detection reminds producers of all sizes to understand and address influenza virus risks. She says pork producers have been proactive and diligent about implementing biosecurity plans as part of their production practices to assure animals’ wellbeing and food safety. NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys says properly handled cooked pork products remain safe for consumers. 

The pork industry has worked alongside APHIS since 2009 to carry out the swine influenza surveillance program, which aims to identify influenza viruses circulating in swine, proactively detect reassortment viruses that could impact public health, and gain knowledge to contribute to improved animal health diagnostics and vaccines.

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