By Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times (TNS)
Oregon state and federal officials confirmed Wednesday that H5N1 bird flu was found in a pig living Crook County — the first such swine infection reported in the current outbreak.
The strain of bird flu virus in the pig is slightly different than the one that has been plaguing dairy cows in California and other states, which is known as B3.13. Instead, it is called D1 and is from wild bird origin, that likely came along the migratory Pacific flyway.
Both strains are H5N1; they just followed slightly different evolutionary trajectories, which is reflected in their genetic sequence.
Finding the flu virus in a pig, regardless of the strain, is a concerning development, say scientists.
“This is one big event that everyone has feared,” Rick Bright, a virologist and the former head of the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
Swine are considered by health officials to be efficient influenza mixing bowls: They are susceptible to both avian and human flu viruses and can potentially provide an opportunity for different viruses to exchange genetic materials and become a greater threat to humans.
“Experts and commentators have minimized the outbreak to date, saying, ‘but it’s not in pigs yet.’ Well, now it seems to be, and just in time for the other critical ingredient to brew a pandemic virus … seasonal human flu viruses,” Bright said.
He said it’s critical that federal authorities move quickly and transparently.
“We cannot afford to keep playing a wait-and-see game,” he said. “We all know how quickly this virus can emerge and spread. We must immediately remove it from these farms, increase all surveillance, and begin planning actions for a larger response. … We cannot afford to do wait and see …again. We need to act now.”
John Korslund, a retired U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarian epidemiologist, was a bit more circumspect.
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According to officials, the infected pig was one of five living on small farm. All pigs were tested and euthanized. Results for two of the other pigs were negative, while the others are pending. In addition, federal authorities say only “low viral levels” were detected in the …read more
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
