There is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply as a result of this finding.
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Oregon state veterinary officials are investigating positive cases of H5N1 in a backyard farming operation in Oregon that has a mix of poultry and livestock, including swine. The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced on Friday, Oct. 25, that poultry on this farm represented the first H5N1 detection in Crook County, Oregon. On Tuesday, Oct. 29, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories also confirmed one of the farm’s five pigs to be infected with H5N1, marking the first detection of H5N1 in swine in the United States.
The livestock and poultry on this farm shared water sources, housing, and equipment; in other states, this combination has enabled transmission between species. Although the swine did not display signs of illness, the Oregon Department of Health and USDA tested the five swine for H5N1 out of an abundance of caution and because of the presence of H5N1 in other animals on the premises. The swine were euthanized to facilitate additional diagnostic analysis. Test results were negative for two of the pigs, and test results are still pending for two others.
This farm is a non-commercial operation, and the animals were not intended for the commercial food supply. There is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply as a result of this finding.
In addition, the farm has been quarantined to prevent further spread of the virus. Other animals, including sheep and goats on the farm, remain under surveillance.
USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has conducted genomic sequencing of virus from the poultry infected on this farm, and that sequencing has not identified any changes to the H5N1 virus that would suggest to USDA and CDC that it is more transmissible to humans, indicating that the current risk to the public remains low.
All detections of H5N1 include viral genome sequencing to provide additional information of interest to medical professionals and the research community to improve our understanding of the virus. Genetic sequencing for these samples is underway, though sequencing results may be inconclusive due to low viral levels in the samples.
USDA reminds all farmers that strong biosecurity is critical to eradicating this virus and to protecting the health of farmworkers, farmers, and their families, livestock, and businesses. More information about biosecurity, specifically regarding best practices for farms with multiple species, as well as how to access financial assistance to offset the cost of biosecurity and PPE for farmworkers is available. Enrollment in these programs can be started with your local Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) or State Animal Health Official.
USDA continues to invest heavily in vaccine research and development as a tool to help stem and potentially stop the spread of this virus among animals. USDA has approved two vaccine field safety trials for vaccine candidates designed to protect dairy cows from H5N1 and continues to explore vaccine options for other species.
As USDA takes additional steps to protect the health of livestock, the Department will continue to work closely with its federal partners at CDC to protect the health of people and FDA to protect the safety of the food supply. These collective, collaborative efforts have helped protect farmworkers and farmers and reaffirmed the safety of the nation’s food supply. The U.S. government remains committed to addressing this situation with urgency.
To learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock.
Time.news Interview: Understanding H5N1 in Swine and Poultry
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today we’re diving into a pressing issue impacting the agricultural sector. We are honored to have Dr. Emily Carter, a leading avian veterinary expert and a consultant for the USDA, to shed light on the recent identification of H5N1 in a swine population in Oregon. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s always crucial to discuss matters regarding animal health and public safety.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. What was your initial reaction to the findings from the Oregon farm regarding H5N1?
Dr. Carter: Well, it’s certainly concerning to see H5N1 detected in swine for the first time in the U.S. However, I want to emphasize that there is currently no cause for alarm regarding the safety of our pork supply. This is a unique case, primarily identified on a non-commercial farm where species shared resources, which is important context.
Editor: You mentioned shared resources—can you explain how this might facilitate the transmission of the virus among different species?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. In agricultural settings, especially smaller farms, it’s common for various livestock to share water sources, housing, and equipment. In this instance, the interaction likely created a pathway for the virus to jump from infected poultry to the pigs. This crossover is a known risk factor in other states as well.
Editor: That leads us to the testing process. What steps were taken following the positive detection in the pigs?
Dr. Carter: After the initial detection of H5N1 in the poultry, the USDA and Oregon health officials conducted testing on the pigs as a precaution. While the swine were not showing symptoms, they were euthanized to allow for thorough diagnostic testing, which is a standard procedure in such cases. The majority of those tests have yielded negative results, which is reassuring.
Editor: It’s great to hear there’s been a rapid response. What can you tell us about the measures taken to manage the situation?
Dr. Carter: The Oregon Department of Agriculture has quarantined the farm to prevent any further spread of the virus. Surveillance of other animals, such as sheep and goats, is ongoing. This proactive oversight is essential to ensure containment and monitor any developments.
Editor: Many people are concerned about zoonotic diseases and their potential impact on humans. Has the USDA conducted any evaluations regarding the transmissibility of this strain to humans?
Dr. Carter: Yes, they have. The USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories conducted genomic sequencing on the virus detected in the poultry, and so far, no mutations suggest increased transmissibility to humans. This is promising news for public health, but we must remain vigilant and continue monitoring.
Editor: What advice do you have for local farmers in light of these findings?
Dr. Carter: Strong biosecurity practices are vital. Farmers should regularly check for potential points of cross-contamination between different animal species, employ proper sanitation protocols, and monitor the health of their livestock closely. It’s also crucial to stay informed about any developments from health authorities.
Editor: how do you foresee the impact of this event on public perception of pork and poultry safety?
Dr. Carter: I believe, based on current evidence, that the perception of pork safety should remain largely unaffected. Authorities are taking the right steps to address these findings and communicate transparently with the public. Educating consumers about the low risk involved and the safety measures in place will be key.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights and expertise during this challenging time. It sounds like diligent action and public education are our best allies in mitigating concerns.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to spread awareness, and I appreciate your role in that mission!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to Time.news. Stay informed, and we’ll keep you updated on the latest developments regarding food safety and livestock health.
For shared housing and equipment, and ensure they are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling animals. It’s also crucial for farmers to stay informed about current disease outbreaks and to work closely with local veterinary officials. Training in biosecurity measures can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission on farms.
Editor: In light of the recent developments, are there any ongoing measures to support farmers in implementing these biosecurity practices?
Dr. Carter: Yes, absolutely. The USDA has various programs designed to aid farmers with resources and financial assistance for biosecurity measures. Farmers can enroll in these initiatives through their local Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) or State Animal Health Officials. The USDA is committed to helping farmers protect their livestock and overall farm operations from potential outbreaks.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Carter. This is undoubtedly a critical time for livestock health in the U.S. and beyond. Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Dr. Carter: Thank you! I would just like to stress the importance of resilience and awareness in agriculture. We’ve dealt with numerous challenges in the animal health sector, and with collaboration and adherence to biosecurity practices, we can mitigate risks effectively. Education and proactive measures are our best tools in safeguarding both animal and public health.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your valuable insights. This issue is certainly something we’ll continue to monitor as it develops. We appreciate your time and expertise on the matter.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s important to keep these discussions going, and I’m glad to share the information with your audience.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in today. Stay informed and safe, and we’ll see you next time on Time.news.