The USDA confirmed the first U.S. case of bird flu in swine in a backyard farm in Oregon. The farm does not serve as a commercial food source. It houses a mix of poultry, pigs and other livestock.

USDA officials quarantined the farm to prevent the spread. The affected pigs and poultry have been culled so additional diagnostic testing can be performed. The USDA and Oregon state and local health officials are closely monitoring other animals on the property, including sheep and goats. The close proximity of water, housing and equipment creates a possible pathway for cross-species transmission.

The USDA said the infection likely originated from wild birds. This places a spotlight on the role migratory birds play in the spread of bird flu to livestock. This resulted in the USDA broadening bird flu surveillance efforts.

The USDA recommends that farms with multiple species avoid shared resources to prevent the virus from spreading between animal groups. Livestock producers are urged to strengthen their biosecurity protocols. The immediate risk to the general public remains low.

Read more on the first U.S. confirmed case of bird flu in swine here.