The detection of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) in a pig on an Oregon farm has again raised concerns specifically among virologists who monitor infectious diseases. Although this might seem insignificant compared to the extensive impact bird flu has had on wildlife and agriculture globally,

But in the months since the outbreak was first detected, the spread of the virus in cows has not been contained, with infections reported in 380 herds in 14 states so far. Now, with cold and flu season looming, it is likely to become significantly more difficult for the country’s public health departments to track the virus.

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?

A bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a farm in East Riding of Yorkshire. The virus, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), was discovered near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire,

Turkey has reported an outbreak of the highly contagious H5N1 strain of avian influenza on a poultry farm for the first time in over a year, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said on Monday.

Birds and humans have different types of receptors in their respiratory tract that flu viruses attach to, like a lock (receptors) and key (virus). The attachment of the virus allows it to invade a cell and the body and cause illness. Avian flu viruses are adapted to birds, and spread easily among birds, but not in humans.

The United States Department of Agriculture last week reported that a pig on a backyard farm in Oregon was infected with bird flu.