2nd pig on Oregon tested positive for H5N1
A report confirming the diagnosis of H5N1 in another pig in Oregon does not significantly alter the situation, as the finding pertains to a pig on the same premises where the virus was previously detected. Notably, the virus identified in this case represents a new genotype, D1.2, while the D1.1 genotype was diagnosed in poultry in Washington State. The incident in Washington was associated with a relatively widespread human infection (n=14).
Opponents of avian influenza vaccination in the current U.S. context may inadvertently contribute to the ongoing evolution of the avian influenza virus. Since the introduction of the virus into the U.S., over 100 different genotypes have been identified (1), an evolution that could eventually result in a more effective strain capable of infecting humans.
1. USDA-APHIS. (https://github.com/USDA-VS/GenoFLU, 2024).
