A pig has tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu on a backyard farm in Oregon, marking the first recorded instance of swine infection in the United States.

In response to the outbreak, the farm has been quarantined, and other animals, including sheep and goats, are under surveillance to prevent further spread.

Experts note that while the detection of H5N1 in pigs is concerning, it does not significantly elevate the threat level unless the virus spreads more widely among swine and leads to human infections.

Human cases of H5N1 have primarily arisen from direct contact with infected farm animals, although there have been instances of infection among farm workers, typically mild in nature.

The rate of human infections has been accelerating, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting six new cases in Washington and three in California, bringing the total to 36 since April 2024.

The CDC has a stockpile of H5N1 vaccines but has not yet distributed them, citing low trust in vaccines and the need for clear evidence of human-to-human transmission as factors for deployment.

Currently, the CDC assesses the risk of bird flu for the general public as low, but experts express concern about the virus's potential to evolve into a more transmissible strain among humans.

Experts advise pig farmers to remain vigilant and prepare response plans, emphasizing the importance of biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of H5N1.

Since March, there have been 395 herds infected with H5N1 across 14 states, with California reporting the highest number of infections, primarily affecting dairy cow herds.

Health officials are closely monitoring the situation, awaiting more information to assess the seriousness of the outbreak and the behavior of the virus in pig populations.

The discovery of the infected pig has prompted increased monitoring by health officials and highlights the importance of seasonal flu vaccinations for those in contact with livestock.

Rick Bright, a virologist, has called for immediate federal action and enhanced surveillance to combat the virus's spread, emphasizing the need for vaccination among farm workers.