This is “Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.”

I’m your host, and for the next three minutes we’re focusing on what you need to know about bird flu in the United States right now.

First, the big picture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that H5 bird flu remains widespread in wild birds, continues to drive outbreaks in poultry, and is still present in U.S. dairy cattle, with sporadic infections in people who have close, unprotected contact with infected animals. According to the CDC’s latest situation and monitoring summaries, there has been no sustained person‑to‑person spread detected in the United States, and overall human risk is still assessed as low for the general public.

On the human side, CDC human monitoring data through late December show only scattered H5N1 infections among highly exposed workers, such as poultry and dairy employees, with no recent clusters suggesting community transmission. State health departments that have tracked these cases emphasize that almost all patients had direct contact with sick birds or infected cows and that illness so far has been mild to moderate in most U.S. cases, especially when detected early and treated.

In animals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports ongoing detections of highly pathogenic H5N1 in both commercial and backyard poultry across multiple regions, as well as continued cases in dairy cattle. State agriculture agencies, including the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, confirm active outbreaks in dairy herds, with some farms experiencing repeat infections and renewed quarantines. USDA’s wild bird surveillance also continues to pick up new positives, underscoring that the virus remains firmly established in wild waterfowl and other species that can reseed outbreaks.

Within the past week, CDC and USDA updates have focused on tightening farm‑level biosecurity and reinforcing worker protections. Federal guidance continues to stress personal protective equipment for people handling sick birds or affected cattle, testing of symptomatic exposed workers, and rapid reporting of unusual animal illness or die‑offs. There have been no major changes to recommendations for the general public.

On the research front, the Food and Drug Administration reports new progress on milk safety studies. In its most recent update on the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle, FDA highlights data from retail sampling and lab testing showing no viable H5N1 virus in pasteurized dairy products, reinforcing that standard pasteurization inactivates the virus. FDA is also funding additional work on thermal inactivation and cheese production to keep the dairy supply safe.

So what does all of this mean for you? For most people, the immediate risk remains low. Properly cooked poultry and eggs, and pasteurized milk and dairy products, are considered safe. The main concern is for people who work with birds or cattle, hunt or handle wild birds, or live on or near affected farms. Those groups should follow public health advice closely, use protective gear, and seek testing if they develop flu‑like symptoms after exposure.

Compared with previous weeks, the overall pattern is one of persistence rather than dramatic escalation: continued animal cases, scattered human infections tied to direct exposure, and steady but not explosive spread. Scientists, including experts interviewed by the University of Nebraska’s Transmission newsletter and major news outlets, warn that the situation is “out of control” in birds globally and that the virus has pandemic potential if it adapts further, which is why close monitoring, vaccination research, and farm‑level controls remain critical.

That’s it for this edition of “Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.”

Thanks for tuning in, and come back next week for more....

Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.

We begin with where things stand nationwide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that since the current H5N1 outbreak began in March 2024, at least 22,000 people in the United States with exposure to infected birds, dairy cattle, or other animals have been monitored, and more than 1,000 have been tested for novel influenza A infections. According to CDC tracking updated January 5, 2026, there have been several dozen human H5N1 infections tied mainly to farm and poultry exposures, but no sustained person-to-person transmission.

On the animal side, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirms that H5N1 remains active in multiple sectors. USDA detections continue in wild birds across states, with recent positives reported in Washington and Nebraska, underscoring that the virus is still circulating in wildlife and can spill over into domestic flocks and herds.

In livestock, the California Department of Food and Agriculture reports that, as of the end of December 2025, 766 dairy herds in that state have been infected at some point, with 630 recovered and released from quarantine. Four California herds remain under quarantine, and a statewide ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows is still in effect. Other states, including Wisconsin, continue to work with USDA on new dairy detections and are investigating links between wild birds and cattle infections.

Turning to federal guidance over the past week, CDC has kept its H5 bird flu situation summary aligned with routine influenza updates, but its advice has not fundamentally changed: people who work with poultry or dairy cattle should use appropriate protective equipment, monitor for symptoms like eye irritation and respiratory illness after exposure, and get tested promptly if they become sick. USDA and FDA continue to stress that commercial pasteurized milk remains safe. The Food and Drug Administration, working with USDA and academic partners, has repeatedly found no viable H5N1 virus in retail dairy products, reinforcing that pasteurization effectively inactivates the virus.

On the research front, FDA-supported studies with Cornell University, the University of Georgia, and others are refining data on how time and temperature kill H5N1 in milk and how long the virus can persist in different dairy products. This work is helping regulators validate safety margins for pasteurized foods and evaluate risks from unpasteurized products.

What does this mean for you?

For most people, the immediate risk of H5N1 infection in the United States remains low. Human cases are rare and have been associated with close, unprotected contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Health agencies say you can reduce risk by avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds, not drinking raw milk, and following local guidance if you live near an affected farm or work in agriculture.

Compared with previous weeks, the picture is one of continued, controlled concern rather than sudden escalation. Animal infections are still being detected, especially in dairy herds and wild birds, but many previously affected farms have recovered and been released from quarantine. Human surveillance remains active, and so far there is no sign that H5N1 is efficiently spreading between people.

That’s it for this edition of Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

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Welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Im your host, bringing you the latest on avian influenza developments in the United States. Today, were covering confirmed cases, agency updates, guidance changes, research highlights, what it means for you, and a comparison to recent weeks. All facts straight from CDC, USDA, WHO, and state reports.

Starting with human cases: The most recent confirmed infection is the 71st H5 case since early 2024, reported by WHO on November 15, 2025, in Washington state. CDC sequencing verified it as the first global human H5N5 case, from clade 2.3.4.4b, linked to wild birds and mammals. The patient had respiratory symptoms but recovered; no human-to-human transmission detected. CDC reports no new H5 human cases in week 52 ending December 27, 2025, with over 31,400 people monitored and 1,300 tested since March 2024.

In animals, Franklin County, North Carolina, confirmed its first backyard poultry flock H5N1 case on January 1, 2026, per local health alerts dated January 6. The ongoing outbreak since March 2024 has hit dairy cows in multiple states, poultry, wild birds, and mammals. USDA and partners continue surveillance.

From CDC and USDA this past week: CDC maintains 10-day monitoring for exposed individuals, recommending testing for respiratory or eye symptoms. No unusual human flu activity noted. FDA updates affirm pasteurization inactivates H5N1 in milk; their raw milk cheese sampling, started January 2, 2025, shows 96 of 110 samples negative as of March 2025, with more pending.

No major guidance changes this week, but CDC streamlined H5 reporting in July 2025 to align with routine flu updates.

Research note: FDA funds studies on H5N1 inactivation in dairy processes, genome-edited chickens for resistance, and raw milk waste disposal, partnering with universities like Cornell and Georgia.

For listeners: Risk to the public remains low. Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized cheese, and contact with sick birds or cows. If exposed, watch for flu-like symptoms up to 10 days and seek testing. Commercial milk supply is safe per FDA and USDA.

Compared to previous weeks: No new human cases since November 2025s H5N5 event, down from peaks earlier in 2025 mostly H5N1 in dairy workers. Animal detections persist, like North Carolinas fresh poultry case, versus quieter late 2025. Monitoring steady at 22,000-plus exposed since March 2024.

Stay informed, stay safe.

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# Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

Good evening. This is your bird flu update for January 2026. We're tracking the latest developments on H5N1 across the United States.

According to the CDC, the United States has now confirmed 71 human cases of influenza A(H5) since early 2024. The most recent case was reported in November 2025, marking the first human infection identified since February 2025. This latest case was notably the first confirmed human infection with influenza A(H5N5), a new subtype not previously documented in humans globally. The infected individual had respiratory illness and was treated at a healthcare facility in Washington State.

Breaking down the exposure sources, the CDC reports that of the 71 total cases, 41 were linked to dairy herds, 24 to poultry farms and culling operations, three to other animal exposures, and three remain with unknown sources. The good news: all cases have been mild, with patients treated successfully using antiviral medications.

On the animal front, the situation continues to evolve. California remains the epicenter of dairy herd infections. As of December 31, 2025, California had four dairy herds under quarantine for H5N1, down from thirteen in October. The state has documented 766 total infected dairies since the outbreak began, with 630 fully recovered and released from quarantine. California lifted its statewide ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows on December 19, 2025, signaling improving conditions.

The CDC has streamlined its reporting approach, reflecting the current public health situation marked by declining human cases and animal detections. The agency now provides monthly updates on surveillance data and continues reporting new human cases through its H5N1 situation page and weekly FluView updates. As of late November 2025, at least 30,600 people have been monitored after exposure to infected animals, with at least 1,280 tested for novel influenza A.

For context, when H5N1 was first detected in US dairy cows in March 2024, experts believed the animals were infected through contact with infected wild birds. Since then, the outbreak has spread across multiple states, but containment efforts have proven increasingly effective.

What does this mean for you? Health officials emphasize that sustained human-to-human transmission has not occurred. The CDC recommends standard precautions for anyone working with poultry or dairy animals: proper protective equipment, hand hygiene, and reporting any illness to healthcare providers.

The surveillance data shows remarkable progress. Between March 24, 2024, and November 29, 2025, monitoring efforts identified 21,300 people exposed to infected animals. Of those, nearly 10,000 had dairy cow exposures. Only 990 required testing, and all confirmed cases have been manageable with antiviral treatment.

Globally, the World Health Organization reports 992 total human H5N1 cases since January 2003, with the United States accounting for 71 of those recent cases. The current outbreak remains primarily an animal health concern with sporadic human cases rather than a widespread human health crisis.

Thank you for tuning in to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Come back next week for more developments. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

[Host, energetic news tone] Welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now, your three-minute briefing on the latest developments. I'm your host.

H5N1 avian influenza continues to circulate widely in wild birds, poultry, and dairy cows across the US. The CDC reports 71 confirmed human cases since early 2024, with two deaths, the latest in Louisiana. Most recent human infections include an Ohio poultry worker confirmed February 21 by CDC after culling exposure; they were hospitalized with respiratory symptoms and are recovering. A Wyoming patient exposed to backyard poultry remains hospitalized with similar symptoms, per CDC's FluView update.

In animals, USDA APHIS confirmed new outbreaks this week: a massive layer farm in Ohio, turkey farm in Indiana's Washington County, duck facility in Elkhart County, Indiana, plus backyard birds in Florida's Broward County and New York's Delaware County. Over the last 30 days, nearly 19 million birds lost. Dairy herds now total 973 affected across 17 states since last year, with a new Nevada case bringing that state to eight. In California, CDFA notes four herds under quarantine as of late December 2025, down from higher numbers, with a statewide poultry and dairy exhibition ban lifted December 19.

No CDC or USDA updates in the past week, but CDC shifted to monthly H5N1 human reporting in FluView, while maintaining real-time case tracking on their situation page. No changes to official guidance: pasteurization kills the virus in milk and eggs; properly cooked poultry and meat are safe.

Research highlights: WHO confirmed the 71st case November 15, 2025, as the first US H5N1 human infection, a novel H5N5 subtype from clade 2.3.4.4b in wild birds. No human-to-human spread detected; over 30,600 exposed people monitored since March 2024, with 1,280 tested.

For listeners: Risk to the general public stays low. Avoid raw milk, unprotected contact with sick birds or cows. Farm workers: use PPE. Buy pasteurized dairy, cook poultry thoroughly.

Compared to previous weeks: Human cases steady at 71 since February's last addition; no surge. Animal outbreaks persist but California quarantines dropped from 13 in October to four now, showing mitigation progress. Poultry losses ongoing but no escalated containment.

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

[Host, energetic news tone] Welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I'm your host, bringing you the latest on H5N1 developments across the United States. H5 bird flu remains widespread in wild birds, poultry, and dairy cows, with 71 confirmed human cases since 2024, including two deaths, according to the CDC's current situation summary.

Let's start with human cases. The CDC reports 41 linked to dairy herds, 24 from poultry farms and culling, three from other animal exposure, and three with unknown sources. Louisiana noted the first US H5N1 human death. No new human cases reported this week, as the CDC has shifted to monthly updates while tracking via their H5 page and FluView.

In animals, outbreaks persist. The California Department of Food and Agriculture confirmed H5N1 in up to 35 dairy farms in the last 30 days as of late 2025 updates, with ongoing quarantines and 209 dairies released after recovery by January 31, 2025. Nationally, over 1,000 dairy farms and 180 million poultry have been hit, per Science Focus analysis. LA County reported nine cats infected in five homes in December 2024 and January 2025. USDA's APHIS continues monitoring avian influenza in livestock and poultry.

From the CDC and USDA this past week: No major new alerts, but surveillance data for the week of January 1, 2026, shows ongoing dairy herd impacts with no fresh human jumps. FDA updates affirm pasteurization kills H5N1 in milk; their raw milk cheese sampling from January 2, 2025, onward shows most negatives.

Guidance remains steady: No changes to containment. Protect farm workers with PPE, avoid raw milk, cook poultry and eggs thoroughly. The FDA funds research on thermal inactivation in milk, cheese processes, and even genome-edited chickens for resistance.

Significant research: FDA collaborations with Cornell and others confirm no viable virus in retail pasteurized dairy from surveys through 2025. Pasteurization works.

What does this mean for you? Risk to the public stays low if you steer clear of sick animals and unpasteurized dairy. Cook meat well, wash hands after handling birds. Egg prices are up due to culls, but commercial milk is safe.

Compared to previous weeks: Human cases flat at 71, versus steady rises through fall 2025. Dairy outbreaks in California peaked at 35 farms monthly but show quarantine successes. Poultry losses continue but no explosive surge like mid-2025.

Thanks for tuning in. Come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

[Host, energetic news tone] Welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now, your three-minute briefing on the latest developments. I'm your host.

Since early 2024, the CDC reports 71 confirmed human H5 cases nationwide, with 41 linked to dairy herds, 24 to poultry farms, three to other animals, and three unknown. The most recent is the 71st case on November 15, 2025, verified by CDC as H5N5 on November 20, the first since February and the first global human H5N5. No human-to-human transmission detected, per WHO. Louisiana noted the first US H5 death.

In animals, USDA confirms ongoing HPAI detections in commercial and backyard flocks, with cases ebbing and flowing due to wild bird movement. Recent wild bird positives include Pennsylvania's Northampton County on December 11 and Minnesota's Dakota County on December 14, both EA H5, per USDA APHIS. California's CDFA reported H5N1 in a Placer County backyard flock on December 19 and H5N9 in a Merced County duck flock confirmed January 13.

CDC streamlined H5 updates July 7, 2025, folding them into routine flu reports; animal data now on USDA site. No new guidance changes past week, but FDA affirms pasteurization inactivates H5N1 in milk, with second retail survey August 2024 finding no viable virus in 167 samples across states like California, Texas, Idaho.

Research highlights: FDA funds thermal inactivation studies with Cornell and NIH partners, plus genome-edited chickens for resistance via University of Wisconsin. GISAID tracks US H5N1 clades like D1.1 in dairy and D1.3 in humans.

For you: Risk to public remains low; avoid raw milk, sick birds, unpasteurized dairy. CDC FluView week 51 shows rising flu hospitalizations at 6.2 per 100,000, but no new H5 spikes.

Compared to prior weeks: Human cases flat since February until November's outlier; animal detections steady, down from peak outbreaks, with US nearing containment per reports. Globally, 12 US H5 cases December 2024 to March 2025.

Stay vigilant, get flu shots. Thanks for tuning in—come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

[Upbeat news intro music fades out]

Host: Welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now, your weekly briefing on the latest developments. I'm your host, bringing you the facts from the CDC, USDA, and frontline reports. Today, we're covering human and animal cases, agency updates, guidance changes, key research, what it means for you, and a comparison to recent weeks.

First, human cases. The CDC reports 71 confirmed H5 infections in the US since early 2024, mostly among dairy and poultry workers. The latest was November 15, according to the World Health Organization: a fatal H5N5 case in Washington State, the first of this subtype globally and the first US human case since February. The patient had underlying conditions, developed fever in late October, and died November 21. No human-to-human transmission detected. CDC surveillance through week 50 ending December 13 shows no new H5 positives in routine flu testing, with over 21,300 people monitored post-exposure and 64 cases found via targeted efforts.

On animals, USDA confirmed a new H5N1 spillover in a Wisconsin dairy herd on December 14, genotype D1.1 from wildlife, separate from earlier Nevada and Arizona events, per CIDRAP. No linked herds. Wild bird detections continue: Montana's Big Horn County on December 10, Georgia's Cobb on December 8, Pennsylvania's Northampton twice on December 11, via USDA APHIS. Poultry outbreaks hit 108 flocks in the past 30 days across five states including North Dakota commercial and backyard in Washington, Wyoming, West Virginia, affecting 1.16 million birds.

Agency updates this week: USDA's National Milk Testing Strategy, phased in since December 16 with 45 states, tests raw milk silos nationwide, catching pre-symptomatic cases like in Nevada. No consumer milk or beef safety risks; FDA tests confirm pasteurization works, ground beef negative, and aged raw cheese sampling ongoing.

No major guidance changes, but USDA offers biosecurity funding and milk loss compensation. California declared a dairy emergency last December; Canada tightened US cattle imports.

Research note: Genome sequencing shows no mammal-transmissibility changes. CDC streamlined H5 reporting July 7, now monthly with FluView.

For you: Risk remains low for the public. Avoid sick birds, raw milk, unpasteurized dairy. Workers: use PPE, report symptoms within 10 days. Meat and cooked milk safe.

Compared to prior weeks: Human cases flat since February's last before Washington—same 71 total. Dairy spillovers rare, this Wisconsin one isolated versus B3.13-dominant outbreaks. Poultry detections steady with migration peaks; flu season ramps but no H5 surge in week 50 virologic data.

That's your update. Stay vigilant, stay informed.

Thank you for tuning in. Come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

[Upbeat news intro music fades out]

Host: Welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now, your three-minute rundown on the latest developments. I'm your host, bringing you the facts from the CDC, USDA, and frontline reports.

Since early 2024, the US has confirmed 71 human H5N1 cases, mostly from dairy herds in 41 instances and poultry operations in 24, per CDC data. The most recent was November 15, verified by CDC on November 20 as the first global H5N5 human case, in a patient exposed to backyard birds, according to WHO. No human-to-human transmission detected. Louisiana reported the first US H5 death earlier this year.

In animals, USDA's APHIS confirmed December 14 a new H5N1 spillover in a Wisconsin dairy herd, clade 2.3.4.4b genotype D1.1, separate from prior Nevada and Arizona events, with no further herds affected as of December 19. California's CDFA reported HPAI in a Placer County backyard flock on December 19. Wild bird detections continue, including recent cases in Pennsylvania on December 11 and Minnesota on December 14, via USDA APHIS.

Past week updates: CDC's streamlined reporting since July integrates H5 with routine flu data, no new human cases flagged in Week 50 FluView through December 13. USDA emphasizes biosecurity aid for producers. FDA affirms pasteurization inactivates H5N1, with ongoing silo milk testing nationwide under December orders and zero viable virus in recent retail surveys across states like California, Idaho, and Texas.

Guidance unchanged: No unusual human activity signals per CDC monitoring through November 29. FDA funds research on thermal inactivation, cheese processes, and genome-edited chickens for resistance.

Research note: GISAID trees show H5N1 circulating with genotypes like D1.3 in Ohio's March case and D1.1 in farm workers.

For you: Commercial milk remains safe thanks to pasteurization. Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized cheese, and contact with sick birds or cattle. Wear PPE if working with animals, report illnesses to health officials.

Compared to prior weeks: Human cases flat since February's last before November's outlier; animal spillovers persist but contained, unlike summer peaks in dairy states. Flu activity rises seasonally, but H5 stable.

Thanks for tuning in. Join us next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For me, check out Quiet Please Dot AI.

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

[Upbeat news intro music fades out]

Welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I'm your host, bringing you the latest on H5N1 developments in the United States. This is a 3-minute news-focused podcast.

Since 2024, the CDC reports 71 confirmed human cases nationwide, with 41 linked to dairy herds, 24 to poultry farms and culling, three from other animal exposures, and three with unknown sources. Louisiana reported the first US H5N1 human death, and overall human toll remains low with two fatalities total, according to Science Focus on December 24.

In animals, USDA's APHIS confirmed H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in a Wisconsin dairy herd on December 14, calling it a new spillover event distinct from earlier ones in Nevada and Arizona, per their December 19 update and CIDRAP on December 22. No additional infected dairy herds detected there. Wild bird detections include cases in Pennsylvania's Northampton County on December 11 and Minnesota's Dakota County on December 14, as listed by APHIS.

No CDC or USDA updates in the past week note new human cases. CDC streamlined H5 reporting on July 7, now monthly with routine flu data, shifting animal stats to USDA's site. CDC surveillance through November 29 shows no unusual flu activity in people.

Guidance remains steady: Pasteurization inactivates H5N1 in milk, confirmed by FDA's retail surveys with zero viable virus in 167 samples, per their ongoing investigation. USDA offers biosecurity aid and milk loss compensation for affected producers.

Research highlights include FDA-funded studies on thermal inactivation in milk, cheese processes, and genome-edited chickens for resistance, in partnership with universities like Cornell and Wisconsin-Madison.

For listeners: Risk to the public stays low—no sustained human-to-human spread. Avoid raw milk, sick birds, or cattle; cook poultry and eggs thoroughly. Dairy workers: Use PPE. Commercial milk supply is safe.

Compared to previous weeks: No new human cases or major dairy outbreaks since mid-December's Wisconsin event; steady after summer peaks. USDA notes successful containment in 2025 overall.

Thanks for tuning in. Come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

You’re listening to “Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.” I’m your host, and here’s where things stand with avian influenza in the United States.

Federal health officials say the overall public health risk from H5 bird flu remains low, but the virus continues to circulate in birds, some dairy cattle, and occasionally infects people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 71 confirmed human H5 infections in the U.S. since early 2024, including two deaths. The most recent fatal case, reported by the World Health Organization in November, involved an H5N5 strain in an adult in Washington State with underlying conditions and bird exposure. WHO and CDC both report no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.

On the animal side, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service continues to confirm new highly pathogenic avian influenza detections in commercial and backyard flocks. USDA’s latest flock updates show new H5 outbreaks in multiple states across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, with hundreds of thousands of poultry affected over the past month. USDA has also reported a recent H5N1 detection in a Wisconsin dairy herd as a new spillover event from wild birds, genetically distinct from earlier cattle outbreaks in Nevada and Arizona, but officials emphasize the commercial milk supply remains safe due to pasteurization.

In wild birds, USDA surveillance is still picking up H5 detections along major migratory flyways, including recent positives in Colorado and Minnesota, underscoring that the virus remains entrenched in wildlife.

Within the past week, CDC’s flu and H5 monitoring updates indicate no unusual influenza patterns in people. CDC reports that more than 30,000 people have been monitored and over 1,200 tested after exposure to infected animals since 2024, with only sporadic H5 cases detected. CDC guidance continues to stress avoiding unprotected contact with sick or dead birds, poultry, dairy cattle, and their droppings, and recommends that exposed workers use appropriate personal protective equipment.

There have been no major shifts in national containment measures in the last few days, but USDA and state agriculture departments are maintaining strict movement controls and culling policies around infected flocks and herds. Some states, such as California, have declared their commercial poultry free of active H5N1 outbreaks while keeping ongoing surveillance of dairies and birds.

Researchers continue to study why certain H5N1 variants are better at infecting mammals. Recent academic analyses highlight that some 2.3.4.4b strains show increased ability to infect dairy cattle, but so far do not appear well adapted for efficient spread between people.

What does this mean for you? For most listeners, the immediate risk is still low. You should avoid handling sick or dead birds or livestock, and not consume raw milk or undercooked poultry or eggs. Routine, pasteurized dairy products in grocery stores remain safe. If you work with birds or cattle, follow your workplace safety protocols and contact public health authorities if you develop flu-like symptoms after an exposure.

Compared with previous weeks, the big picture has not dramatically changed: human cases remain rare and linked to animal exposures, while the virus continues to ebb and flow in poultry, wild birds, and a limited number of dairy herds. Surveillance remains high, but there is no sign yet of sustained spread among people.

Thanks for tuning in to “Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.” Come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, and for more from me, check out QuietPlease dot A I.

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