Pigs could potentially serve as "breeding grounds" for bird flu viruses.
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Warning issued: Avian flu could create a dangerous petri dish in pigs, potentially spreading to humans
The European Union's food safety agency (EFSA) has sounded the alarm, as the avian flu virus threatens to infiltrate pig populations worldwide, transforming them into a potential breeding ground for a more transmissible human-targeted strain.
The spreading H5N1 outbreak began last spring in the U.S., infecting birds across the country and dairy cattle in 17 states, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of millions of birds, an egg scarcity, and a surge in prices. Human cases, including one fatality, and two pig infections have been confirmed, while Europe has seen effects on both birds and sheep. British authorities have reported human infections too.
"Avian flu indeed presents a unique challenge, as it increasingly crosses from birds to mammals," said EFSA's executive director, Bernard Url. He stated that the situation in Europe remains relatively under control at the moment.
Scientists express concerns about pigs, as they carry a mix of avian and human viruses, potentially serving as a junction for genetic alterations that might heighten mammalian transmission. Pigs' biological similarity to humans amplifies their role as alerts for emerging zoonotic strains.
Brussels, Zoya Oskolkova
© 2025, RIA "Novy Day"
In a broader context, pigs pose a considerable risk due to their susceptibility to avian influenza strains and their ability to host human influenza viruses simultaneously. This compelling co-infection potential has set the stage for viral combinations that might trigger a pandemic. With the growing number of mammalian hosts infected by H5N1, the virus shows a broadening adaptability beyond its traditional avian hosts.
Pigs' dual ability to host both avian and human viruses creates a golden opportunity for genetic reassortment, generating potentially dangerous hybrid strains. Indeed, the 2009 H1N1 pandemic originated from a triple-reassortant virus derived from avian, swine, and human lineages. Recent H5N1 adaptation in U.S. cattle underlines the potential for similar evolution in pigs, posing a risk of avian-to-human transmission bridge formation.
This intricate dance of viral evolution and agricultural practices highlights the urgent need for expanded multispecies surveillance and improvements in biosecurity measures.
- The European Union's food safety agency (EFSA) has expressed worries about pigs, as they can host both avian and human influenza viruses simultaneously, creating a potential for dangerous hybrid strains.
- As the avian flu virus threatens to infiltrate pig populations worldwide, the situation could potentially lead to the evolution of a more transmissible human-targeted strain due to the genetic reassortment that might occur in pigs.
- In light of the spreading H5N1 outbreak, medical-conditions related to the avian flu and its potential impact on human health are becoming a matter of growing concern, especially given the pig's biological similarity to humans.
- With the increasing number of mammalian hosts, including pigs, infected by H5N1, an expanded multispecies surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the virus's adaptability beyond its traditional avian hosts and the emergence of new zoonotic strains.
- Implementing improved biosecurity measures in the health-and-wellness and lifestyle sectors, such as pet ownership, is essential to prevent the potential avian-to-human transmission bridge formation, considering pigs' susceptibility to avian influenza strains and their role as a junction for genetic alterations.
