December 27, 2005

US experts warn bird flu might infect domestic pigs

American industry and veterinary experts warned that if the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu reached the US, domestic pigs might be infected as well.

H5N1 has already decimated poultry flocks and claimed dozens of human lives in Asia. But so far, the US has not reported any poultry or human cases of the strain.

Veterinary pathologist with Texas A&M University, John El-Attrache, said swine farmers, like poultry raisers, also had to step up bio-security as bird flu had the potential to infect pigs.

Scientists have suspected that pigs could act as a mixing bowl for both the human and bird flu viruses, resulting in a deadly strain that could easily jump from human to human.

Most US farms have kept pigs confined and separate from other animals as part of bio-security measures. Human contact was limited and farm employees were encouraged to go for flu vaccinations yearly.

Liz Wagstrom, a veterinarian with the National Pork Board, said the pork industry needed to ensure all efforts were made to keep bird flu out of pig herds.

Wagstrom added that besides surveillance and routine swine vaccinations, the industry must be ready to alert farmers promptly if necessary, so they could step up precautionary measures.

Meanwhile, the USDA said no requirements were needed yet for new safety measures among pig farmers due to bird flu.