This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.
After a quiet summer, bird flu has returned to the United States, impacting both commercial and backyard flocks. According to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, since early September, over 3.8 million birds have been lost to the virus or to culling as a containment measure. The most recent outbreaks in the past week stretch from California to South Dakota and Montana, and onward to Georgia and Pennsylvania, affecting 66 flocks including commercial poultry operations and small backyard groups. In total, avian flu has resulted in 182.6 million bird losses since it first appeared in the US in 2022, touching every state and one territory.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to report low overall risk to the general public. There are now 70 confirmed human H5N1 cases across the nation, primarily in workers exposed to infected poultry or dairy operations. Most of these cases have occurred in California, Colorado, and Washington, with at least one human death reported in Louisiana. Importantly, CDC states that no person-to-person transmission has been documented so far, although new research indicates it might be possible in some settings. A study published this week by CDC researchers found asymptomatic human infections do occur, prompting renewed attention to close contacts and health monitoring for exposed individuals.
Animal infections are not limited to birds. Over a thousand dairy herds and a number of wild mammals, including a black bear in Colorado, have tested positive for the H5N1 virus according to recent USDA and APHIS updates. Surveillance in wild bird populations remains heightened as migratory waterfowl move south for the winter. Last week, state wildlife officials confirmed H5N1 in wild Canada geese in Illinois and Michigan, as well as a swan in Missouri.
There have been adjustments in guidance and reporting procedures. As of July, CDC grouped H5N1 reporting within routine influenza data and shifted to monthly public updates. USDA now provides most up-to-date animal case information directly, as cattle infections have shown lower mortality, with many animals recovering after supportive care.
Containment measures remain rigorous. Infected flocks are quarantined and culled, and expanded surveillance is in effect for dairy cattle and wild birds. Public health officials urge agricultural workers to use protective equipment and for anyone exposed to potentially infected animals to watch for symptoms including fever, conjunctivitis, and body aches.
Comparing the current situation to previous weeks, fall has seen a marked spike in cases following summer’s lull. The resurgent pattern aligns with seasonal wild bird migrations. National laboratory coordination is challenged by recent government shutdowns that have hampered data sharing, according to Scientific American.
For listeners, these developments reinforce that avian flu remains largely an occupational risk, but everyone should avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds and report unusual animal illnesses to local authorities. The CDC continues to emphasize that the risk to non-exposed members of the public is very low, but monitoring and research will continue.
That wraps up this week’s Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Thank you for tuning in. Check back next week for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.
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