Bird flu is again making headlines in the U.S. this week after federal authorities identified a new case of H5N1 infection in a Texas dairy herd, the first reported in that state since May. The U.S. Department of Agriculture now counts 1,079 herds across 17 states that have been impacted since early 2024. According to the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, this detection marks a continued threat, coming at a time when researchers still cannot pinpoint how a recent California child contracted the virus in an urban setting, despite genetic links to the dairy cow outbreak.

Meanwhile, the CDC has tracked a total of 70 confirmed human infections in the U.S. since the outbreak began in 2024, most cases resulting in mild symptoms such as eye and respiratory problems. No human-to-human transmission has been identified to date, and just one fatality has been reported in the U.S. by mid-2025, though experts highlight that undetected cases may exist due to limited testing. A recent study from the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing emphasizes that, without broader surveillance, infected individuals with mild symptoms could go unnoticed, increasing the importance of quick action and real-time testing.

Poultry farms have also been hit: just this past week, turkey outbreaks were recorded at commercial farms in North and South Dakota, highlighting that the virus is still circulating in U.S. flocks. According to Food Business Middle East, the ongoing bird flu outbreaks have continued to disrupt the global poultry trade, prompting the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization to host a major meeting in Brazil this week.

Globally, Europe is facing a renewed surge with new bird flu outbreaks in Portugal and Germany, affecting wild birds, poultry, and even mammals like red foxes and otters. Human cases remain rare worldwide, with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reporting 42 cases between December 2024 and June 2025, most tied to direct contact with infected animals. No sustained human-to-human spread has been observed, but the mutation and adaptability of the virus remains a concern for health officials.

As the outbreak’s impact continues to unfold, health experts and regulators urge ongoing vigilance—from testing and surveillance in both animals and humans to strict biosecurity on farms and prompt containment where outbreaks emerge. That’s your update on bird flu across the U.S. and the globe.

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Bird flu continues to make headlines across the United States, with new outbreaks reported in both backyard and commercial flocks. Georgia agriculture officials announced on Friday that a backyard flock in metro Atlanta tested positive for the highly contagious H5N1 avian influenza strain. This marks the second confirmed case in a Georgia backyard flock this year and highlights ongoing concerns for both backyard and commercial poultry operations. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, since 2022, more than 175 million birds have been affected nationwide, making this the deadliest animal disease outbreak in U.S. history.

Recent CDC surveillance confirms that human infections remain rare, with 70 confirmed cases and one fatality in the U.S. by mid-2025. However, researchers at the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing warn that undetected cases may exist due to limited testing for individuals exposed to infected birds and farm animals. Their use of generative AI revealed several high-risk patients whose potential infections went unnoticed, underscoring gaps in the national detection strategy.

The risk to commercial operations remains high. In the last week, turkey farms in North Dakota and South Dakota have reported fresh outbreaks—the first known commercial cases in the country in several months. The rapid response by agriculture officials aims to contain further spread, with increased monitoring and possible culling operations likely in affected zones.

Experts anticipate additional outbreaks as wild bird migration picks up this fall. Data transparency is an ongoing issue. Scientists, including those at UC Davis, argue that farm-level data should be shared more widely to improve outbreak tracking and research, but confidentiality practices still silo much critical information. This hampers efforts to fully understand how the virus moves between bird populations and across regions.

Globally, bird flu remains a concern. The World Health Organization recently noted ongoing H5N1 transmission in wildlife and occasional spillover events in Europe and Asia. New variants remain under scrutiny for any signs of increased human transmissibility.

While the overall threat to the general public remains low, experts urge continued vigilance among poultry farmers, wildlife handlers, and health care systems. Early detection, rapid containment, and clear communication are key to preventing larger outbreaks and protecting the nation’s food supply.

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The United States is once again on alert as cases of H5N1 bird flu re-emerge in both livestock and humans, with the most recent detection reported just yesterday in a Texas dairy herd. According to CIDRAP, this is the first Texas case since May and brings the national total to 1,079 affected dairy herds across 17 states since early 2024. The USDA also confirmed another H5N1 outbreak in a commercial turkey flock in South Dakota, following closely on the heels of additional detections in North Dakota and Georgia.

No clear sources have been found for some of the human cases connected to recent animal outbreaks. Investigators in California, working with the CDC, are still unable to determine how a school-age child in San Francisco contracted H5N1 in December 2024, despite comprehensive testing of close contacts and potential environmental sources. The CDC’s report highlights that 37 of the country’s 66 confirmed human infections since 2024 have been tied to California, but no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission has been documented.

The CDC notes that, so far, recent U.S. human infections have resulted in mild illness only. Nationally, there have been 70 confirmed cases and just one fatality as of mid-2025, although experts at the University of Maryland urge caution. They warn that limited testing and surveillance could mean additional cases are going undetected, especially among those with flu-like symptoms and a history of animal exposure.

Globally, the bird flu situation remains dynamic. Between January and August, 30 human H5N1 cases were reported across eight countries, with Cambodia and Bangladesh experiencing the most significant numbers, according to the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research in Bangladesh. Europe has also seen a recent rise in outbreaks, as Germany and Portugal reported more than 1,100 birds culled after confirmed infections.

In the U.S., the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, poultry, and now dairy cows, making this the longest and deadliest animal disease outbreak in the nation's history, according to reporting from Sentient Media. With fall migration patterns set to begin, experts expect further bird flu activity in the coming months. The CDC, FDA, and state agencies all emphasize the need for strong surveillance and continued cross-species monitoring to guard against a broader human health threat.

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U.S. agricultural and public health authorities are on alert as a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, strikes a large commercial turkey farm in Faulk County, South Dakota. The USDA reports that this is the most recent U.S. case since early July, with 55,400 turkeys affected as of August 28. The infected birds have been euthanized to contain the virus, and a strict control zone is now in force to prevent further spread. According to South Dakota Public Broadcasting, this marks the state’s first confirmed bird flu case since May, ending nearly two months of relative calm in poultry operations.

National surveillance efforts continue as the CDC and the USDA monitor for potential human and animal cases. The CDC has updated its situation summary and reassures the public that, so far, there are no new human infections linked to this Farm outbreak. However, federal and state health officials remain vigilant, especially as autumn migration of wild birds can cause the virus to spread more widely.

In related developments, the FDA issued a warning this week after confirming the presence of the H5N1 strain of bird flu in certain lots of frozen raw cat food produced by RAWR, sold under the name Chicken Eats. The investigation began after a cat in San Francisco fell ill and was ultimately euthanized following consumption of the product. Whole genome sequencing confirmed that the strain found in the cat matched the virus identified in the chicken-based pet food lots with sell-by dates in September and October. The FDA has linked previous similar infections of domestic cats to other raw poultry-based pet foods, raising fresh concerns about the risks of feeding animals uncooked meat products. So far, there have been no U.S. cases detected in dogs, though the FDA notes that both pet cats and some wild mammals are at risk, especially those that are very young, elderly, or have weakened immune systems.

Globally, animal health officials continue to monitor bird flu flare-ups, particularly as migratory patterns shift. While no major new outbreaks outside of the U.S. have been reported in the past 24 hours, authorities remain on heightened alert ahead of the colder months when flu viruses typically increase in both animals and people.

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The latest updates on the bird flu, or H5N1 avian influenza, indicate the situation remains concerning but largely stable for human cases, especially in the United States. According to a Monday, September 1 Bird Flu Bulletin, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported no new human H5N1 infections in the US since mid-February. The worldwide tally since January holds at 26 confirmed human cases, the majority in Cambodia, with eight fatalities. Cambodia is under particular scrutiny as a hotspot, with health agencies emphasizing risks for those in direct contact with poultry.

Despite the low risk of human-to-human transmission, the virus continues to circulate actively among animals. The US Department of Agriculture has noted ongoing outbreaks in wild birds and poultry, especially in states along migratory routes. There have also been recent detections in feral and domestic cats across several states, though federal officials stress that cats are generally dead-end hosts with minimal risk of wider transmission, while highlighting the broad mammalian reach of this year’s strain.

Globally, the Food and Agriculture Organization confirms sporadic spillover into mammal species, with farm biosecurity notably ramping up. There has been an uptick in farmers and veterinarians seeking booster vaccinations for livestock, and China’s latest vaccine rollout for poultry has demonstrated promising efficacy in curbing outbreaks across Asia. As animal cases increase, many countries are taking protective measures and tightening surveillance.

While the CDC officially ended its emergency response in July due to the stabilization of H5N1 in animals, the highly pathogenic strain still poses significant biosecurity challenges. The 2024-2025 outbreak has affected over 100 million birds across North America, devastating poultry farms and increasing costs for both producers and consumers. The primary transmission route remains through contact with migratory wild birds, underscoring the difficulty in fully containing the virus on large commercial farms.

In research developments, a University of Maryland team has developed an artificial intelligence tool that scans medical records for signs of potential H5N1 exposure, aiming for earlier detection even when symptoms overlap with other respiratory diseases. Lead author Katherine Goodman notes that undetected infections are possible due to gaps in monitoring, making ongoing vigilance critical.

As World Health Organization leadership has warned, the risk of a new pandemic from avian or other zoonotic flus remains real, and high mortality strains like H5N1 are being watched closely around the world.

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Bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, continues to pressure the United States and international health systems, despite a recent slowdown in reported human infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seventy human H5N1 cases were confirmed in the US between March 2024 and May 2025, including four hospitalizations and one fatality. While this is significantly lower than the nearly 50 percent global fatality rate historically seen with H5N1, US experts warn that the risk has not disappeared.

A new CDC-backed study published this week in Nature Medicine—led by epidemiologist Melissa Rolfes—notes that almost all US cases involved people regularly exposed to infected animals, such as farm and food processing workers. However, a handful of severe infections traced to backyard poultry suggest that even the general public is not immune from risk. The latest CDC FluView update shows that, for the week ending August 23, influenza activity remains exceptionally low—at only 0.4 percent of specimens testing positive—and there have been no new confirmed bird flu cases among humans in August. But experts interviewed by The Sick Times caution that this does not mean the threat is over, citing limited testing in some states and among vulnerable worker populations, where flu symptoms may go unrecognized or unreported.

The US government maintains a national vaccine stockpile, but neither the Biden nor Trump administrations have authorized broad vaccination or personal protective equipment distribution for at-risk agricultural workers. Some farmworkers told The Sick Times they were unaware of bird flu risks even more than a year after the US’s first human H5N1 case, underscoring a gap in outreach and protection.

Poultry industries remain on alert as highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks have affected more than a hundred million birds in North America since 2024, devastating farms and disrupting supply chains. Flight Control, a major agriculture biosecurity group, emphasizes that wild birds, especially Canada geese and certain waterfowl, remain key vectors for spreading H5N1, contaminating farm environments through droppings and direct contact.

Globally, Cambodia recently reported a surge in human H5N1 infections, including six fatalities since January, illustrating the ongoing concern at the human-animal interface, while outbreaks in poultry continue across Asia.

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Bird flu remains a serious public health concern in the United States, with the aftermath of the latest H5N1 outbreak still impacting communities and agriculture nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seventy human H5N1 infections have been confirmed in the U.S. since March 2024, with four hospitalizations and one fatality—a rate far higher than seasonal flu and an important reminder that the virus is more dangerous than many realize. These confirmed cases have mostly affected people working closely with infected livestock, especially dairy cows and poultry, but some severe cases have been linked to backyard flocks, raising risks for the broader public.

The CDC’s surveillance update from August 28 confirms that current influenza activity remains low nationally, but experts like infectious disease physician Krutika Kuppalli warn that inconsistent testing and reporting make it hard to know the true scale, especially among vulnerable farmworkers. In states with rigorous testing, such as California, higher numbers of cases have been detected. Across the U.S., farmworkers report lacking access to protective equipment and testing, with significant worries for immigrant laborers facing broader barriers to care, according to The Sick Times. Despite federal stockpiles of H5N1 vaccine, authorities have opted not to vaccinate these high-risk groups, prompting calls for stronger public health measures.

Ohio, which suffered the nation’s largest agricultural losses during the outbreak, claims to have ‘put a bookend’ on the crisis after destroying more than 15 million birds to curb the spread. The Ohio Poultry Association is implementing enhanced biosecurity measures and stressing the importance of removing waterfowl from farm areas, with advice echoed nationally. Experts say 85 percent of farm outbreaks are tied to contact with wild migratory birds, especially geese and ducks, whose droppings often contaminate feed and water sources.

Globally, H5N1 remains a major threat, with more than 800 human cases worldwide since 2003. In recent days, University of Maryland researchers highlighted a new AI tool that can rapidly screen emergency department records to detect high-risk patients potentially exposed to bird flu, streamlining monitoring in hospitals and improving early response.

While headlines may have waned, bird flu risks persist, and experts caution that ongoing surveillance, worker protections, and vaccination strategies remain crucial as fall migration brings more wild birds into contact with domestic flocks. Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to join us again next week for the latest in health and science. This has been a Quiet Please production—for more, visit QuietPlease Dot AI.

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U.S. health officials are continuing to monitor H5N1 bird flu, which remains a persistent but unpredictable threat. According to Nature Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of seventy confirmed human H5N1 cases have been identified in the United States between March 2024 and May 2025, including four hospitalizations and one death. While this is well below the nearly 50% global fatality rate seen in some outbreaks, the mortality rate is still far higher than that of seasonal influenza.

Despite fewer headlines, experts stress that risk persists, especially for farmworkers and others in close contact with infected animals. The Sick Times reports that even though case numbers are low, gaps in testing and data collection may understate the true extent. Infectious disease expert Dr. Krutika Kuppalli notes that reduced surveillance and lack of worker protection, including little access to personal protective equipment or timely H5N1 vaccines, leave many agricultural workers at higher risk, including those unaware of H5N1’s presence in their workplaces.

The CDC confirms no person-to-person spread of H5N1 has been documented in the U.S. so far, and the overall public health risk remains low. However, a child infected in California last year experienced only mild illness, showing that exposures can happen even among the general population. Current recommendations call for starting antiviral treatment promptly for anyone with suspected infection.

Internationally, the World Organisation for Animal Health, via Reuters, has reported fresh outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in southern Bulgaria, with three affected poultry farms and over 28,000 birds involved. In the broader context, the European Union’s Joint Research Centre is deploying advanced digital PCR tests for earlier and more accurate detection to help control H5N1’s spread across borders.

On the industrial front, efforts to mitigate outbreaks in the U.S., including investments in biosecurity and sanitation, have helped reduce cases at compliant facilities, as detailed by the Ohio Poultry Association. After a devastating outbreak that forced the culling of over 15 million birds, Ohio officials say they are now better prepared should bird flu resurface in the region.

Meanwhile, the CDC’s latest flu surveillance report for the week ending August 16 highlights minimal overall influenza activity nationally, with avian flu cases in poultry at seasonally low levels. Nonetheless, experts agree that ongoing vigilance is crucial, given bird migration patterns and the virus’s ability to cross into mammals.

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The latest headlines on bird flu reveal that the United States remains in the grip of a complex outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, H5N1, with concern mounting as the fall bird migration begins. According to GISAID, cases have surged since April 2024, with seventy confirmed human infections and one death in the US so far. During the past week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported no new confirmed human infections with the avian H5 virus, and there has yet to be evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. Most recent US bird flu infections remain mild according to JAMA Network, perhaps due in part to lingering immunity from the H1N1 pandemic strain that circulated widely since 2009. Still, experts warn the virus could evolve in more dangerous directions as it continues to spread.

The situation in the US dairy sector remains especially acute. As outlined in a Journal of Dairy Science review, since its emergence in dairy cattle, H5N1 has defied control, spilling over into cows from wild birds and then circulating widely within herds. California has been hit hardest, affecting up to 75 percent of dairies in the state. Cornell University researchers estimate that flu-stricken cows produced nearly 945 kilograms less milk on average during a single outbreak period, with economic losses averaging $950 per animal. Although pasteurization has proven effective in keeping the commercial milk supply safe, disruptions in farm operations and reduced output have driven up consumer prices.

The virus’s unpredictable transmission routes – potentially through contaminated feed or water, airborne particles, or surfaces – complicate containment efforts. The US Department of Agriculture warns that avian influenza remains a risk to all poultry sectors as migratory birds begin their seasonal journey, and is calling for strict biosecurity on both backyard flocks and commercial farms. The USDA’s Defend the Flock campaign is rolling out new resources to help guide farm and bird owners.

Globally, countries in Europe and Asia are tightening prevention strategies, and researchers are racing to meet the challenge. Medical Express reports that scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have demonstrated a promising new, single-dose live attenuated vaccine in mice targeting the dominant H5N1 strain, paving the way for expanded protection as the outbreak evolves.

A new national lab proficiency testing program launches in autumn to improve the diagnostic frontlines, says Mayo Clinic’s Bobbi S. Pritt, aiming to help US laboratories quickly and reliably identify bird flu cases amidst overlapping seasonal flu symptoms.

As bird migration ramps up, vigilance and unified One Health efforts – encompassing animal, human, and environmental health – are deemed essential by experts to prevent further escalation.

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Over the past 24 hours, the bird flu outbreak—primarily caused by the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain—continues to pose serious challenges across the United States, with ripple effects globally. GISAID reports that clade 2.3.4.4b of the virus is still spreading, not only among wild and domestic birds, but also in dairy cows, other mammals, and farm workers. Since April 2024, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 70 human cases through genomic analysis, with most human infections leading to mild eye or respiratory symptoms, although isolated severe cases have also been recorded. The most recent genetic data, dated just last week, confirm ongoing viral evolution and close relationships among strains detected in cows and exposed humans.

Healthcare Hygiene magazine explains that the complex and unpredictable transmission mechanisms in dairy cattle, poultry, and among workers are undermining outbreak control and disrupting nearly every aspect of US dairy and poultry production. The authors of a new review in the Journal of Dairy Science stress that only a holistic One Health approach—which integrates animal, human, and environmental health—can manage H5N1’s broad impact effectively. They reaffirm that pasteurization remains highly effective at neutralizing the virus in commercial milk, meaning commercially available dairy products are safe. However, the economic bruises from reduced output and ongoing supply chain disruptions are being felt across the US, driving up food prices and creating uncertainty for producers and consumers alike.

The CDC’s latest FluView weekly update released on August 22 found continued low levels of influenza activity overall and reports no surge in flu-related deaths. Outpatient illness visits remain stable, and mortality data from mid-August shows just 0.03% of deaths attributable to influenza nationwide. Despite these figures, the cumulative tally of pediatric influenza deaths stands at 275 for the season, marking an historic high in a non-pandemic year, though not all are directly tied to H5N1.

On the diagnostic front, The Pathologist notes that the US will soon launch a new nationwide proficiency testing program to ensure laboratories are capable of rapidly and accurately distinguishing H5N1 from seasonal flu, strengthening pandemic preparedness.

In research news, Medical Express highlights a promising new vaccine candidate from Texas Biomedical Research Institute. Their live attenuated vaccine has shown robust protection against H5N1 in animal models, an encouraging sign compared to the limited arsenal currently available.

Globally, sporadic reports of H5N1 spillover continue, most notably in cattle and wild birds in multiple countries, underscoring the persistence and international threat of the virus.

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