The United States continues to monitor highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, known as bird flu, though the sense of crisis has eased substantially in recent weeks. On July 2, the CDC officially ended its emergency response to H5N1 as a human health threat, citing a steep decline in animal and human cases. Seventy people across 14 states have been infected since spring 2024, with two reported deaths, but no new human cases have been recorded since March. According to Johns Hopkins public health experts, U.S. bird flu infections have dropped in both birds and mammals, prompting the CDC to switch from weekly to monthly reporting.

Despite diminished human health risk, the CDC and USDA remain vigilant. H5N1 is still widespread in wild birds worldwide and continues to cause outbreaks among poultry and dairy cattle in the U.S., with recent USDA data confirming just one new cattle case in the past month. The bird flu has led to significant losses in U.S. poultry, affecting every state and resulting in major economic damage. The current numbers include over 12,000 detections in wild birds and more than 1,000 infected cattle herds across 17 states, although incidence rates are now dropping. The FDA has reiterated that store-bought milk is safe, as pasteurization effectively eliminates the H5N1 virus. However, animals that consume raw milk remain at risk of infection.

The global situation varies. In Cambodia, for instance, bird flu continues to cause deaths, illustrating the danger if the virus circulates among vulnerable populations. International surveillance agencies like the World Health Organization, along with the U.S. CDC, maintain close monitoring of outbreaks worldwide to catch any sign that H5N1 could adapt to spread more easily between humans.

Intriguingly, a recent study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that prior exposure to common seasonal influenza A viruses, especially H1N1, may offer some protection against severe H5N1 disease. Experts suggest this may help explain the less severe outcomes in recent U.S. cases, as most infected individuals suffered only mild symptoms. Still, leading virologists caution that differences in viral strains and human exposure patterns could also influence outcomes.

While the public health threat seems subdued for now, authorities continue to emphasize safe practices, vigilance around raw animal products, and routine animal and human surveillance. As U.S. agency updates move to a monthly schedule, global experts stress that pandemic potential remains an ever-present risk if the virus acquires new abilities or breaks into new hosts.

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Bird flu, or H5N1 avian influenza, remains a subject of close observation in the US and globally as July draws to a close. In a significant shift, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on July 2 that it has officially ended its emergency response for H5N1 as a direct human health threat, citing a substantial decline in new human cases since the spring. According to the CDC and the Pediatric Pandemic Network, no new human H5N1 infections have been reported in the US since March, while a total of 70 confirmed cases spanning 14 states have been tallied since 2024, with only one death. Most of these cases occurred among dairy and poultry workers.

Routine monitoring continues as the US Department of Agriculture and state agencies track outbreaks in animals, with the latest data indicating a marked decrease in new infections among cattle and poultry. The USDA reports that just one new cattle herd and three poultry flocks tested positive for H5N1 in the past month, compared with extensive outbreaks seen during the previous year. The CDC’s latest weekly update, released July 25, shows no new identification of H5 bird flu in humans across the nation.

Despite lower numbers, officials and researchers remain vigilant. H5N1 continues to circulate widely among wild bird populations. As reported by All About Birds on July 24, the virus has been detected in nearly 12,700 wild US birds since 2022, with a continued but declining impact noted in recent weeks. Internationally, similar declines are being noted, but sporadic outbreaks among wild birds or livestock continue to be detected, especially in areas where monitoring may be limited.

There is new evidence from a July 24 study in Science Translational Medicine, which found that prior immunity from seasonal flu may help protect against severe illness in mammals. This breakthrough came as researchers sought to understand why most US human H5N1 cases have been mild. The study’s results, highlighted by Centers for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, suggest past seasonal flu exposures could explain the lower severity observed in recent bird flu cases.

For now, public health experts stress that the overall risk to the general public remains low, though commercial poultry and dairy industries continue to practice stringent monitoring and biosecurity. Scientists advise strict avoidance of raw milk, as unpasteurized products can carry the virus if derived from infected animals, though pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its emergency response to the H5N1 avian flu this month, officially downgrading the immediate human health threat after no new US human cases were reported since early summer. According to the CDC, there have been 70 confirmed US human infections—mostly among dairy and poultry workers—resulting in two deaths nationwide. Human cases have largely been mild, with symptoms such as fever or conjunctivitis, and the agency now describes the current public health risk as low.

However, vigilance remains critical. The CDC and the US Department of Agriculture continue monitoring animal outbreaks, with the virus persisting in both wild bird populations and herds of dairy cattle. In the past 30 days, only two new dairy herd infections were detected in California and Arizona, plus a single poultry outbreak in Pennsylvania. Experts attribute this decline to seasonal trends, but warn the risk could escalate as migratory birds return in late fall. Dr. Andrew Ramey of the US Geological Survey noted that the fall migration could bring millions of waterfowl—ducks and geese, the primary virus carriers—back into crowded habitats, potentially causing a resurgence.

Recent research highlighted new transmission routes for H5N1 in dairy cattle, with studies from China showing that “milk snatching”—when cows nurse from each other or calves feed—may facilitate mammary gland infections. This finding helps clarify how the virus has persisted in cattle even amid improved biosecurity.

Meanwhile, a study published in Science Translational Medicine this week supports the theory that immunity from recent seasonal flu infections, particularly H1N1, may be providing cross-protection and reducing the severity of H5N1 illness in humans. While some influenza scientists welcome these findings, others caution that differences in viral strains and exposure routes, or underlying population health, also contribute to the varied severity seen globally. For comparison, Cambodia, where a different H5N1 strain circulates, has reported a far higher mortality rate.

Outside the United States, the World Organization for Animal Health reported only 15 new poultry outbreaks globally in June, but noted an uptick in infections among wild birds in Europe.

As summer draws to a close, public health officials across the globe are preparing for the possibility of renewed outbreaks as environmental conditions for viral transmission improve.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the end of its emergency response to H5N1 bird flu on July 2, following a relatively quiet summer with only sporadic outbreaks and no newly reported human cases. CDC officials emphasized that while avian influenza remains *widespread* in wild birds and continues to cause outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, the current threat to human health is low. Of the 70 human cases recorded among American dairy and poultry workers since April 2024, two have resulted in deaths, but all recent surveillance points to declining risk. Ongoing monitoring by the CDC and USDA continues, with infection rates in animals now updated through USDA channels rather than the CDC website, reflecting a shift to routine surveillance according to High Plains Journal.

Despite this lull, scientists remain vigilant as the fall migration season approaches, which often signals higher risk for new outbreaks. According to the Los Angeles Times, only three new outbreaks—two in dairy herds in California and Arizona, and one in a Pennsylvania poultry flock—were reported nationally in the past month. However, researchers warn that conditions could change rapidly as wild birds congregate in greater numbers later in the year, potentially reintroducing or amplifying the virus among susceptible flocks and herds.

Internationally, outbreaks continue to impact Europe, with new cases in wild birds on the rise, the World Organization for Animal Health reports. Meanwhile, virologists continue to study emerging transmission routes within U.S. livestock. Recent research highlighted by CIDRAP found that common farm practices such as “milk snatching” among dairy cows, along with vectors like flies, may be contributing to ongoing farm-to-farm transmission, underscoring the need for enhanced biosecurity and new preventive strategies.

The economic toll of the outbreak remains severe. As of July 9, 2025, over 174 million birds have been killed or culled, making this America's most costly animal disease outbreak ever, according to Nature Communications. For dairy operations, a single large herd in Ohio lost nearly $750,000 in direct costs from decreased milk yield, animal deaths, and culling.

Looking ahead, experts remain concerned about possible virus mutations or new transmission patterns as bird migration resumes. Enhanced surveillance and vaccination efforts are actively being pursued, but the pandemic potential remains uncertain.

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Bird flu cases in the U.S. remain at relatively low levels this summer, but public health officials and scientists warn that another surge could emerge later this year as migration patterns change and cooler weather returns. According to the Los Angeles Times, only two new dairy herds—one in California and one in Arizona—and a single commercial poultry flock in Pennsylvania have reported outbreaks in the last 30 days. This decline aligns with seasonal trends, yet experts are closely watching for a resurgence as migrating waterfowl congregate in key areas in the coming months, creating conditions ripe for renewed outbreaks.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that since the virus first appeared in U.S. dairy cattle in March 2024, there have been 70 confirmed human cases, mostly among dairy and poultry workers. Most human cases have been mild, involving eye and respiratory symptoms, but genetic analysis has revealed concerning mutations in some viral samples, including changes that may reduce susceptibility to the antiviral drug oseltamivir and signs of mammalian adaptation. Data from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service show a close genetic relationship between the viruses found in cows, other animals, and exposed workers.

On U.S. farms, efforts to control the virus have spotlighted questions about how it spreads. CIDRAP reports new information implicating flies and so-called "milk snatching"—cows nursing from one another or themselves—as potential transmission mechanisms in dairy cattle. Research out of China published this month also found that mouth-to-teat contact is a probable route for mammary gland infection, while experimental vaccines in cattle have shown complete protection in laboratory conditions. While poultry vaccines are deployed in the U.S., no vaccines for dairy cattle have yet received approval, but field trials are underway.

Globally, the impact continues to be severe. Nature Communications highlights that the U.S. outbreak is now the largest and most costly animal disease event in the country’s history, with over 174 million birds culled since 2022 and major financial losses for affected industries. A study from Ohio found that a single infected dairy herd suffered losses of nearly $750,000, excluding further economic consequences.

While the number of new cases in the U.S. remains manageable, vigilance is high. Virologic and wastewater monitoring, vaccine development, and improved farm biosecurity remain central tools in the ongoing effort to contain H5N1.

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Bird flu remains a top public health concern in the United States and globally as officials monitor a summer lull in reported cases but prepare for a potential resurgence this fall. The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to circulate in U.S. dairy cows, commercial poultry, and wild birds. Since its first detection in U.S. dairy cattle in March 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 70 human cases, most among dairy and poultry workers, with symptoms typically mild but with concern about possible virus adaptation.

A recent CDC update notes only two new dairy herd infections—one each in California and Arizona—and a single commercial poultry outbreak in Pennsylvania over the last month. Scientists attribute the decline to seasonal factors, but many caution that cases could surge in the fall as migratory birds return in larger numbers. Maurice Pitesky from UC Davis highlights that California’s waterfowl population, considered a primary virus reservoir, is expected to swell from 60,000 to 6 million by late fall, increasing risk of further transmission.

Transmission between cattle remains under investigation. New research reports contamination from house flies and a phenomenon known as "milk snatching," where cows and calves transmit the virus from mouth to teat, may be responsible for viral spread. Viral RNA has been detected at high levels in raw milk, prompting ongoing calls for biosecurity and monitoring of farm workers. USDA data reveal that the virus has affected 17 states, and that strains found in cows are closely related to those in farm workers, pigs, cats, and wildlife.

Authorities emphasize the need for surveillance and communication among farm communities, especially since many farm workers are immigrants who may hesitate to cooperate with health officials. Infectious disease specialists warn that immigration crackdowns could complicate future outbreak containment.

Globally, the World Health Organization reports a new fatal H5N1 human infection in Cambodia within the last week, with over 474 cases in the Western Pacific Region since 2003. Meanwhile, European officials are seeing an uptick in wild bird outbreaks.

For now, vaccine research for animals continues in the U.S., with poultry vaccines approved and cattle trials underway, but no vaccines for humans. Health officials urge anyone exposed to infected animals to monitor for symptoms and seek testing if needed.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently ended its emergency response to the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the United States, citing a sustained decline in both animal and human infections. After aggressive monitoring and mitigation efforts, federal officials announced that ongoing oversight will revert to the CDC’s standard influenza division, and updates will be incorporated with routine flu surveillance. Human cases have not been reported in the United States since February, and monthly public updates on testing and monitoring will continue according to Reuters and Bloomberg reports.

Over the past year, the U.S. has seen 70 confirmed human bird flu cases, mostly farm workers, with one reported fatality. The CDC maintains that the public health risk remains low at this time. Several hard-hit states, including California and Washington, are scaling back their reporting or have ended emergency declarations. Experts indicate the decision to step down the emergency response is due to the absence of new human infections in recent months.

Nonetheless, the episode has left concerns in its wake. The bird flu outbreak led to significant disruptions in both the poultry and dairy industries. Egg prices spiked and dairy herds, usually considered lower risk, have also suffered notable effects, according to a recent report from Cornell University. Experts stress that the virus’s adaptation to cattle remains under close observation, as recent genetic analysis identifies links to strains circulating in both the U.S. and Canada.

While the threat in the U.S. has waned for now, reports indicate low but persistent risks elsewhere. Globally, countries including Cambodia and Ecuador have recorded human H5N1 cases in recent years, typically connected to direct exposure to infected animals. The World Health Organization has tracked more than 890 human cases since 2003 worldwide, with ongoing vigilance recommended for both human and animal health sectors.

The most recent U.S. CDC flu report, updated July 11, shows very low overall influenza activity nationally, and bird flu infections in humans are being monitored as part of the broader influenza strategy.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has officially ended its emergency response to the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the United States, a decision announced earlier this month and marking a turning point after more than a year of monitoring and containment. The CDC credited a sharp reduction in both animal and human infections for the shift, noting that there have been no new human cases in the U.S. since February 2025. The emergency response, initiated in April 2024, responded to outbreaks affecting poultry, wild birds, and cattle in several states, which cumulatively resulted in 70 human cases and one fatality, with most cases concentrated on the West Coast, particularly in California and Washington. According to federal agencies, only isolated new infections have been reported in animals in recent weeks, including a cattle case in Arizona and three small poultry outbreaks in Arizona, Idaho, and Pennsylvania.

Despite the end of emergency protocols, the CDC and USDA have emphasized ongoing vigilance. Bird flu surveillance will now be incorporated into routine influenza monitoring, and agricultural biosecurity remains crucial. Some infectious disease experts, such as Michael Kinch of Stony Brook University, have expressed concern that scaling back focused efforts might leave the country less prepared if the virus mutates or begins spreading efficiently between humans.

In a new development, California authorities in July reported the first U.S. detection of the H5N9 bird flu strain at a commercial duck farm in Merced County. The response included quarantines and the preemptive culling of over 119,000 birds to contain the outbreak. No human cases of H5N9 or spread to other farms have been reported, and experts currently assess its risk to humans as low. Nevertheless, California continues to witness record levels of avian influenza outbreaks among poultry operations.

Globally, countries such as Cambodia have reported a striking increase in human H5N1 infections. Between January and July 2025, Cambodian health officials confirmed 11 laboratory cases, including six fatalities, according to Global Biodefense. All patients had recent contact with infected poultry, underscoring ongoing risks at the human-animal boundary. The World Health Organization notes that global human H5N1 infections since 2003 now tally 986 confirmed cases with 473 deaths.

While public health officials in the U.S. are cautiously optimistic, they remind the public that continued preparedness and scientific monitoring remain essential. Thank you for tuning in to this update. Be sure to come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production—visit QuietPlease.ai for more.

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In the past 24 hours, the United States has seen a continued decline in bird flu activity, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcing recently that it is ending its emergency response efforts due to falling case numbers and limited new detections. According to CDC spokespersons and recent coverage by Farm Policy News, there are currently no known human cases of bird flu in the US. Since the beginning of the outbreak in 2022, there have been 70 human cases and one death recorded nationally, with no human-to-human transmission identified. The risk to the general public remains low, but experts emphasize that people with direct exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments are still at elevated risk.

Animal outbreaks in the US have also slowed considerably. The USDA confirmed only one new case in cattle in Arizona and two in total since June. For poultry, just three new outbreaks have occurred in the past month—affecting flocks in Arizona, Idaho, and Pennsylvania and resulting in the loss of about 30,000 birds. The last large-scale poultry outbreak took place in May, when several million birds in Arizona were impacted.

On the regulatory front, the CDC has shifted bird flu updates from emergency response to routine influenza reporting. Data on animal outbreaks is now centralized with the USDA, while human case updates will appear monthly through regular flu surveillance channels. More than 18,600 individuals have been monitored following exposure to infected animals, and over 880 have been tested to date. Although several bird-flu vaccines have been approved by the FDA, none have been deployed during this outbreak.

Despite declining numbers, some infectious disease experts express concern that reduced vigilance might leave the US vulnerable if the virus mutates or spreads more easily among humans. Ongoing surveillance and prompt action remain essential.

Internationally, the picture is less stable. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, there have been over 400 animal outbreaks of avian influenza with zoonotic potential worldwide since late April. Notably, Cambodia has reported a surge in human infections, with 11 cases and six deaths so far this year—an unusual spike that experts link to ongoing challenges in biosecurity and surveillance at the human-animal interface.

A new development in the US includes the detection of the H5N9 bird flu strain at a California duck farm, marking the first such case nationally. While H5N9 has not resulted in any human infections in the US and is considered less dangerous than other strains, authorities remain on high alert.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has further reduced its public reporting on H5N1 bird flu this week as infection rates drop in the United States. As of July 7, the CDC is updating bird flu figures monthly instead of weekly. CDC officials report that recent months have seen a significant decline in new H5N1 cases among both people and animals. Since February 2024, there have been only six human cases in the US and no evidence of person-to-person transmission. The total number of US human infections since the earliest reports is 70, with most individuals experiencing mild symptoms, and just one confirmed fatality, according to CDC statements and summarized by Vax Before Travel and CIDRAP. Most cases have involved direct and unprotected contact with infected dairy cows or poultry.

While human risk remains low, animal outbreaks also appear to be slowing. The US Department of Agriculture most recently detected an outbreak at a commercial game bird farm in Pennsylvania on July 2, impacting nearly 29,300 birds. The last confirmed case among dairy cattle was on June 24 in Arizona. The CDC will now direct people to USDA’s APHIS website for animal-related data as it phases out those updates from its main surveillance page.

Globally, the bird flu story is more volatile. The World Health Organization and Cambodia’s health authorities reported an unusual spike of 11 new H5N1 human infections and six deaths in Cambodia between January and this month, with seven of those cases occurring in June alone. Most of these Cambodian cases are linked to direct exposure to sick or dead backyard poultry, and all ages have been affected. The country has now recorded 27 human cases since the virus re-emerged there in 2023, with a case fatality rate of approximately 44 percent. WHO continues to assess the overall global risk from H5N1 as low for the general population, but low to moderate for people with occupational exposure to birds.

No H5N1 vaccines have been deployed to the US public, although several are approved for use if needed. Health authorities stress that while direct transmission between humans has not been observed, ongoing close monitoring is essential, especially among those working closely with poultry or livestock.

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