USDA Confirms Isolated Case in Oregon
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspections Service (APHIS) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed the first detection of H5N1 influenza in swine in the U.S. The farm in question is not a commercial producer of pigs; the animals were not intended for commercial food production.
Oregon Department of Agriculture News Release
The main takeaways for producers and consumers with this announcement are:
- There is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply as a result of this development; when thoroughly cooked and handled properly, pork remains safe to eat.
- The risks to human health from this strain of influenza remain low.
Over the past several months, the National Pork Board has been working closely with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV), the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the USDA, and others to monitor H5N1 developments in the U.S. This has been a coordinated industry effort to protect the health of the U.S. swine herd.
On-Farm Biosecurity Remains a Priority
Biosecurity remains one of the most important tools for keeping pigs healthy. Learn more about influenza prevention and preparedness, and how to maintain or improve your on-farm biosecurity efforts at the links below.
Influenza Prevention and Preparedness
Strategic Tools for Pork Production
Swine Health Information Center
American Association of Swine Veterinarians
