H5N1 Influenza Detected in Oregon Pig, Prompting Biosecurity Focus to Protect Swine Herds

No Risk to Food Safety, But Industry Experts Urge Producers to Strengthen Biosecurity Practices

In a rare case, H5N1 influenza was detected in a pig on an Oregon farm after a recent outbreak in the farm’s poultry flock. Tests confirmed the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain in one of three pigs exposed to infected birds, marking a concerning crossover event linked to migratory wild birds. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) awaits results of genome sequencing for a deeper understanding of the virus in swine.

Although none of the pigs showed symptoms, ODA Director of Communications Andrea Cantu-Schomus emphasized that testing was done out of caution due to exposure. “The USDA is conducting additional testing to understand more about this strain in swine,” she explained.

Anna Forseth, Director of Animal Health at the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), reassured consumers that there is no food safety concern, as H5N1 influenza cannot be contracted from properly cooked pork. “This is not a food safety issue, but it’s a reminder for producers to stay vigilant with biosecurity practices,” she said.

Forseth noted that while influenza is relatively common in swine herds, it is typically preventable with vaccines—although no vaccine currently exists for H5N1 in swine. As industry experts monitor this situation, they urge farmers to reinforce biosecurity to protect their herds from potential outbreaks.