Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has recently been diagnosed in the US in Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Birds in the affected flocks have experienced high mortality and measures have been put in place to quarantine and depopulate the affected flocks. Contact with wild birds is considered the most likely source of infection for domestic poultry. [Reprinted as posted on UMN Swine Disease Eradication Center website (SDEC)]
Pigs are susceptible to infection with all influenza viruses, including HPAI. Pigs are usually sub-clinical and evidence of infection is usually only seen by serology. However, there are reports indicating that pigs can also develop the disease.
To date, there is no evidence that the new strains of HPAI (H5N2 or H5N8 subtypes) have infected pigs in the US. However, producers should be diligent about their biosecurity practices. Avian influenza viruses are highly contagious, extremely variable and wide-spread in birds. Preventing introduction of birds into swine facilities, avoiding contact with wild birds and bird droppings in general, and avoiding non-chlorinated surface water should be emphasized.
Source: AASV