Gomaa MR, Yazbek J, et al. Spill-Over of Avian and Human Influenza a Viruses to Swine in Egypt and Lebanon. Zoonotic Diseases. 2026; 6(2):21
Influenza A viruses circulate between birds, humans, and pigs, creating opportunities for the emergence of new strains with potential public health impact. In avian influenza (AI)-endemic countries such as Egypt and Lebanon, pigs may be repeatedly exposed to viruses from multiple sources, yet systematic swine surveillance remains limited. This study investigated influenza A virus exposure in pigs using both molecular testing to detect active infection and serologic assays to identify prior exposure. Samples were collected from farms, piggeries, and abattoirs between September 2023 and August 2024. Active infection was detected more frequently in Egypt than in Lebanon, including human-origin H1 and avian-origin H5 viruses. Antibody testing revealed broader and more frequent exposure to avian, swine, and human influenza viruses in pigs from both countries. Serologic evidence consistently exceeded molecular detection, indicating that many infections were missed by PCR alone. Exposure patterns varied by housing type and age, with abattoirs representing important high-contact interfaces. These findings show that pigs in avian influenza–endemic settings experience repeated multisource viral exposure, creating conditions that may facilitate viral reassortment. Integrated surveillance combining virologic and serologic approaches is essential to strengthen animal and human health security.
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