Avian influenza, or bird flu, continues to impact the United States and other parts of the world this week as the fall migration season brings renewed challenges for poultry producers, local farmers, and health officials.

Wisconsin Public Radio reports that bird flu cases are rising among both backyard and commercial flocks in the northern U.S., with a recent outbreak detected in a Racine backyard chicken flock. Dr. Darlene Konkle of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture noted that while overall rates are lower than last year, the increase coincides with the seasonal migration of wild waterfowl, which is known to spread the virus. Flock owners are being urged to maintain strict biosecurity, from handwashing to limiting contact between domestic birds and wildlife.

In Indiana, Hoosier Ag Today confirms that since early October, six outbreaks have affected commercial poultry farms—five at duck operations and, most recently, one at a large egg-laying facility in LaGrange County impacting nearly 20,000 hens. Indiana is a national leader in duck and egg production, and authorities note that in 2025 alone, 29 commercial facilities have had confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases. Nearby flocks are now being tested for additional spread, and the USDA stresses that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to consume.

Elsewhere, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has documented dozens of new H5N1 bird flu detections in wild waterfowl across several states, including Montana, Texas, Oregon, and Minnesota, according to reporting by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. In the past month, HPAI has struck 38 flocks in the U.S., most recently in three commercial turkey operations in Minnesota, where tens of thousands of birds have been affected.

Globally, the Pan American Health Organization has updated its count of human H5 cases in the Americas to 76 over the last four years, with two fatalities. The bulk of human cases stem from direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. While the risk to the public remains low, Grant County Health District in Washington is actively monitoring exposed poultry workers and providing antiviral treatments where needed.

Experts warn that as wild birds continue their migration, outbreaks will likely persist, and both commercial producers and small flock owners should stay vigilant and keep up with recommended safety measures.

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