risk of spread and impact

NDO - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) yesterday confirmed that for the first time they have detected the H5N1 avian influenza virus in pigs at a farm in Oregon state.

There is no risk to the pork supply associated with the avian influenza case in Oregon and the risk to people from avian influenza remains low, the USDA said.

Pigs were the source of the 2009-2010 H1N1 flu pandemic and are also thought to be the source of many other types of flu, said Richard Webby, a virologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who studies influenza in animals and birds for the World Health Organization.

The detection of the virus on a small farm makes the infection in pigs less worrisome than detecting it on a commercial pig farm, he added.

"I don't think there's a need to increase concern about the infection, but if this virus starts circulating in pigs, then the risk of disease severity will certainly increase," said Richard Webby.

The Oregon farm has been quarantined and other animals there, including sheep and goats, are being monitored, the USDA said. Pigs and poultry on the farm have been euthanized to prevent the spread of the virus and allow for further testing of the pigs.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/my-lan-dau-tien-phat-hien-cum-gia-cam-h5n1-o-lon-post842278.html