Researchers studying flu receptors in the pig say that pigs are no more likely to be the host for the reassortment of the influenza A virus than humans.
Rahul Nelli, working at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham, and co-workers have compared human- and avian-type sialic acid influenza receptors in the pig. Their paper, published in BMC Veterinary Research, suggests that pigs are no more likely to be the host of virus reassortment than humans. The researchers also noted abundant receptors in the pig's intestine.