Welcome to H5N1 Global Scan: Avian Flu Worldwide. I’m your host, and in the next three minutes we’ll examine the ongoing global impact of H5N1 avian influenza—spanning continents, research frontiers, and public health challenges.

The H5N1 virus, a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, has reached unprecedented global spread since 2020, with outbreaks reported on every continent except Australia as of February 2025, according to the World Health Organization and detailed in the latest updates from the Pan American Health Organization. The virus, primarily impacting wild and domestic birds, has also crossed into mammals, including marine species and dairy cattle, raising new concerns for cross-species transmission.

Let’s break down the global situation by continent.

In the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization confirms thousands of animal outbreaks since 2022—across 19 countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and Peru. The US in particular has seen the virus spill over into dairy cattle, affecting nearly a thousand herds this year. There have also been more than 70 human cases in North America since 2024, with the majority reported in the United States.

Europe continues to see H5N1 waves, with Germany culling over half a million birds after significant outbreaks, as reported by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute. Similarly, the UK and Hungary have lost thousands of wild birds, and sporadic human cases have been detected among farm workers.

Asia remains a hotspot for new human infections, illustrated by cases and fatalities in Cambodia, India, and China in recent months. According to the World Health Organization, human-to-human transmission remains rare, but vigilance is required, particularly where close contact with poultry is common.

Africa reports several outbreaks, predominantly in poultry. While human cases remain less frequent, the Food and Agriculture Organization stresses the risk posed by weak veterinary infrastructure and limited surveillance in the region.

Antarctica, traditionally free from avian influenza, saw its first H5N1 detection in 2023. Wildlife specialists fear catastrophic effects on unique bird and mammal populations due to lack of immunity.

Internationally, the WHO and FAO have repeatedly underscored the importance of transparent reporting, coordinated surveillance, and sharing of viral genetic data. The World Organisation for Animal Health and national authorities collaborate through regular alerts, rapid response teams, and cross-border tracking of animal movements.

On the research front, global initiatives have prioritized tracking H5N1’s genetic evolution. The CDC, ECDC, and counterparts in Asia are intensifying virological analyses to detect mutations with pandemic potential. Scientists agree that H5N1’s increasing ability to infect mammals makes ongoing genomic surveillance critical.

Regarding international trade, restrictions on poultry exports from affected countries—such as Argentina and Mexico—continue to disrupt markets, triggering shortages and price spikes in eggs and poultry products. This also affects livelihoods across the supply chain.

Vaccine development has accelerated across regions. The United States and European Union have advanced H5N1 poultry vaccines and are testing human vaccine candidates stockpiled for emergency use. China, India, and Australia are developing tailored vaccines targeting local viral lineages, while international partnerships are sharing production technology with low- and middle-income nations.

National strategies diverge: the US and EU emphasize culling, farm biosecurity, and compensation schemes; China focuses on mass poultry vaccinations and live market controls; while resource-poor regions often rely on rapid cull-and-quarantine measures with variable effectiveness.

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