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Influenza-Infected Pigs Are Not Susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Taeyong Kwon1, Mariano Carossino2,3, Igor Morozov1
1Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Pigs infected with swine influenza A virus (SIV) were not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. This study concludes pigs are unsuitable for modeling SARS-CoV-2 and SIV co-infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus (IAV) can exacerbate COVID-19.
- Pigs are natural reservoirs for IAV but are typically resistant to SARS-CoV-2.
- Understanding co-infection mechanisms requires suitable animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if pigs become susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 after a primary swine influenza A virus (SIV) infection.
- To establish a pig model for studying SARS-CoV-2 and SIV co-infections.
Main Methods:
- Pigs were intratracheally infected with SIV.
- Three days later, pigs were challenged with SARS-CoV-2.
- Viral RNA detection in swabs and seroconversion were monitored.
Main Results:
- SIV was successfully isolated from pigs, and seroconversion to SIV was confirmed.
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA was transiently detected in nasal and oropharyngeal swabs one day post-challenge.
- No evidence of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion was observed in the pigs.
Conclusions:
- Pigs do not become susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 following SIV infection.
- Pigs are not a suitable animal model for investigating SARS-CoV-2 and IAV co-infections.
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