Bird flu continues to generate concern in the US and abroad this week as officials monitor fresh cases and implement new protections. In Maryland, the Washington County Health Department issued a public awareness alert after dead vultures collected in a Boonsboro residential area tested presumptively positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu. While officials emphasized that the risk to the public remains low, they cautioned residents not to handle sick or dead birds and to report any direct exposure without protection to local health authorities, according to the Washington County Health Department. The agency is awaiting confirmed test results, but stressed that vigilance is needed, especially as migratory seasons increase risk.

Elsewhere in the US, the Ohio Department of Agriculture reported steady improvement after the state dealt with the worst bird flu epidemic in its history over the past year. As reported by WYSO, the outbreak devastated Ohio’s poultry industry, forcing the destruction of over 15 million birds. Ohio Poultry Association leaders now say they have “put a bookend” on the worst of the outbreak, crediting stronger biosecurity measures, improved sanitation, and statewide assessments for each poultry farm. Although normal bird populations have not returned and risks remain with seasonal bird migrations, Ohio officials believe the changes will help prevent future waves.

Minnesota is testing new technology to protect its large poultry industry in anticipation of new risks as cooler weather approaches. According to Minnesota Public Radio, turkey growers have received state funding to install laser projectors, which aim to deter wild waterfowl known to spread the virus from landing in commercial flocks. Early results are promising, with industry leaders hoping these high-tech measures will make lasting improvements.

On the west coast, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed on September 25 that a domestic cat tested positive for H5N1 bird flu after eating raw commercial pet food. It marks the area’s second recent animal case. Health officials are monitoring the situation and reminding residents to avoid feeding raw meat to pets, as it can be a route for transmission.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to report that no human-to-human transmission of H5 bird flu has been identified in the United States so far, but the agency is keeping a close watch given the highly contagious nature of the virus among birds.

Globally, health authorities remain on alert as H5N1 and other strains are regularly detected among wild and domestic birds in Europe and Asia, although no new large-scale human outbreaks have been reported this week.

Thanks for tuning in to this week's bird flu update—remember to check back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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