The National Pork Producers Council confirms there are no food safety concerns about the nation’s pork supply after H5N1 was detected this week in an Oregon backyard farm. NPPC continues to work closely with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services and pork industry stakeholders on disease surveillance programs.

“The confirmed case in Oregon poses no threat to consumer health or food safety as properly handled and cooked pork products remain safe for consumption,” said Bryan Humphreys, NPPC CEO. “The entire pork industry remains committed to safeguarding food safety and human and animal health.”

With rigorous on-farm biosecurity programs in place, the pork industry has worked alongside APHIS since 2009 to carry out the swine influenza surveillance program to identify viruses circulating in swine. “Pork producers have always been proactive and diligent about implementing biosecurity plans as part of their daily production practices,” said NPPC President Lori Stevermer.