This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host—bringing you this week’s top stories on the evolving bird flu situation across the United States.

In the past week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that while H5N1 bird flu continues to circulate widely among animals, **no new human cases** were reported nationally according to the CDC’s most recent surveillance report. The total number of confirmed human H5N1 infections in the United States for 2025 now stands at 57, with cases reported in at least seven states, including the recent severe infection and first US death in Louisiana. While most cases this year have involved people with direct exposure to infected dairy cows or poultry, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. The CDC emphasizes that the current public health risk to the general population remains low.

Turning to animal cases, the spread of H5N1 among dairy herds continues to be a significant concern. The USDA has now documented confirmed infections in over 700 dairy herds, mainly in California, with recurring outbreaks forcing 43 previously cleared herds back under state quarantine according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Nationally, since April, more than 18 million poultry have been affected, causing disruptions in eggs, meat, and dairy supply chains.

To contain the virus, federal and state agencies have reinforced existing restrictions. The USDA recently expanded its nationwide milk testing mandate: starting mid-December, all processors in higher-risk states such as California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Oregon must collect and share milk samples for H5N1 testing. This comes in addition to the requirement since April that all milk-producing cows must test negative for bird flu before crossing state lines. In California, fairs and livestock shows remain suspended for both poultry and dairy cattle due to the ongoing epidemic.

As for research developments, a CDC investigation found that bird flu antibodies were present in several asymptomatic dairy workers, meaning mild or subclinical infections occur more often than previously thought. University researchers stress that while most human cases have been mild, ongoing animal transmission increases chances for the virus to adapt. The recently published CDC wastewater surveillance report did not detect any uptick in H5N1 signals among the public.

Compared with past weeks, the animal outbreak is yet to slow—California’s re-quarantined herds highlight the challenge of controlling reinfection. But the lack of new human cases, along with no signs of person-to-person spread, is cautiously reassuring. Since July’s CDC streamlining of H5N1 updates, reporting practices have shifted to monthly summaries and more coordination between agencies to keep the public informed.

So, what does this mean for you? For now, everyday risk remains low. The USDA and FDA stress that properly pasteurized d

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now, your three-minute news briefing on bird flu developments in the United States for the week of September 1, 2025.

The H5N1 avian influenza outbreak continues to affect both animals and humans across the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, confirms that since April 2024, there have been 57 human cases recorded nationally, the majority of whom had direct contact with infected livestock or poultry. In recent weeks, confirmed human cases included a dairy worker in Nevada, a poultry worker in Ohio, and a backyard poultry owner in Wyoming. Most of these individuals had mild to moderate symptoms and have since recovered, but earlier this year, the country recorded its first human fatality from H5N1 in Louisiana, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

On the animal front, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, reports that a total of 213 dairy herds in 14 states have tested positive for H5N1 as of last week. The outbreak remains especially active in California, where 43 previously cleared dairies were re-quarantined in August after recurrent infections were detected. Surveillance remains high, with California maintaining a ban on all poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows. Nationally, over 169 million birds have been affected by H5N1 since 2022, impacting every state and Puerto Rico, and USDA’s latest containment strategy dedicates one billion dollars to biosecurity, rapid diagnostics, and research.

Turning to policy and guidance, the CDC and USDA have both escalated their response. As of last December, USDA mandated nationwide testing of raw milk to help identify outbreaks rapidly—a mandate originally targeting six states but expanded as infections continued. These intensified containment efforts complement the previous requirement that all dairy cows be tested before interstate moves. CDC reminds the public that while the risk of wider human infection remains low at this time, ongoing surveillance is crucial. CDC has also integrated H5N1 updates into its regular flu surveillance reports and coordinates closely with state health officials to monitor both exposed workers and new research on potential human-to-human transmission. So far, there’s no evidence of sustained spread between people.

Recent research highlights the importance of vigilance. New Scientist reported that simultaneous infection with H5N1 and a seasonal human flu virus could potentially enable H5N1 to adapt for human-to-human spread, though at present, such events remain theoretical. The CDC continues to monitor for viral changes that may affect vaccine effectiveness or antiviral treatments.

For listeners, the most important takeaway is to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and livestock, cook eggs and poultry products thoroughly, and heed all state and local health advisories. Health officials especially urge those working in agriculture

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

Good afternoon and welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Today is Saturday, August 30, 2025, and we’re bringing you the latest developments on bird flu in the United States.

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there have been no new confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States since mid-February 2025. Globally, 26 human infections have been detected this year, but only three cases occurred in the US, all earlier in the year. These individuals had direct contact with infected animals, and critically, there has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission. The risk to the general public remains low according to the CDC.

On the animal front, the outbreak continues to affect US livestock and poultry. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 43 new H5N1 cases have been confirmed in California dairy herds over the past month, with many of these herds previously released from quarantine being re-quarantined following re-infection. Nationwide, the US Department of Agriculture notes that over 1,074 dairy herds have been impacted since March 2024. Poultry remains at risk, with significant losses: over 90.9 million birds have been affected nationwide since last year, spanning 51 states and jurisdictions.

Policy updates from both the CDC and USDA were released this week. The CDC has streamlined its H5N1 reporting due to the slowdown in new human and animal cases, moving to monthly updates for surveillance data and discontinuing animal case updates on its site, which now appear on the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service page. Importantly, the ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions in California remains in effect to curb possible spread at state fairs and shows.

From a food safety standpoint, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service continues regular testing of meat from cattle exposed to H5N1. As of August 20, FSIS laboratory testing detected only one positive sample from a culled dairy cow in California, and that meat was withheld from entering the food supply. Research from the USDA affirms that cooking beef to recommended temperatures inactivates the virus, so properly cooked meats remain safe for consumption.

In research news, there have been ongoing studies into viral persistence and spread in dairy cattle, confirming that the H5N1 virus does not easily transmit to humans and that standard hygiene and culinary practices are effective at mitigating exposure risk.

Comparing the current situation to previous weeks, cases in animals continue to be detected, but the rate of new outbreaks has slowed, particularly in poultry. Human infection numbers remain flat, and public health agencies continue active monitoring, with more than 18,600 people observed and 880 tested due to animal exposure since last year.

For listeners, the key takeaway remains: while H5N1 persists in wild birds, poultry, and dairy cattle, the i

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This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now, your trusted source for the latest developments on avian influenza across the United States.

Today is Friday, August 29, 2025. Here are the most recent updates on H5N1 bird flu according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Department of Agriculture, and state health departments.

First, the latest on *human cases* of H5N1. According to the CDC, no new human infections with H5N1 have been reported in the United States since mid-February 2025. In total, since 2024, the United States has reported 70 human cases. These were primarily in dairy and poultry workers exposed to infected animals. Importantly, the CDC confirms there has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission in the United States, and the public health risk remains low.

Turning to *animal cases*, the situation remains dynamic. The California Department of Food and Agriculture reports that as of August, California has confirmed 43 reinfections in dairy herds that had previously been cleared and released from quarantine. These herds are now under renewed quarantine to control potential further spread. Nationally, the USDA notes that since March 2024, over 1,000 dairy herds in 17 states have had confirmed H5N1 infections. Avian influenza continues to impact commercial and backyard poultry, with over 90 million birds affected since the outbreak began in 2022.

In the past week, the CDC has revised its reporting approach in response to declining numbers of new cases. CDC will now report new human H5N1 cases through its H5N1 situation page and the weekly FluView summary. Updates on people tested or monitored for exposure will shift to a monthly schedule. For animal outbreaks, the CDC is directing the public to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the latest details.

Containment continues to rely on federal and state orders. All lactating dairy cows must be tested for H5N1 prior to interstate movement, and reporting of positive test results from both livestock and milk silos remains mandatory. California maintains a ban on all poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at public shows and fairs to help curb further spread, as confirmed by state officials.

New *research findings* have highlighted ongoing risks and the effectiveness of national surveillance. The FDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy has helped detect early outbreaks by identifying the virus in raw milk samples before animals show symptoms.

For practical guidance, experts reiterate that the risk to the general public is currently low. Transmission to people occurs almost exclusively through direct contact with infected animals. The CDC urges those who work with poultry or dairy cattle to follow strict hygiene and biosecurity protocols, use personal protective equipment, and promptly report symptoms of illness after exposure.

Comparing the current situation to previous weeks, the overall number of new human and animal infections has slowed, pa

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

Welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now, your trusted source for the latest developments on the bird flu situation across the United States.

Let’s begin with the latest confirmed cases. According to the CDC’s August 4 update, there have been no newly confirmed human H5N1 infections in the US since mid-February 2025. Globally, 26 human cases were detected so far this year, but only three occurred in the US, and all involved direct contact with infected animals. No person-to-person transmission has been documented, and the current risk to the general public remains low. These cases highlight how critical ongoing surveillance remains, especially for people with direct exposure to sick poultry or livestock.

On the animal front, the California Department of Food and Agriculture recently confirmed 43 cases of H5N1 in California dairy herds that had previously cleared quarantine. This marks a significant resurgence in those herds, leading to their re-quarantine as part of continuing state containment efforts. Nationwide, the outbreak, which began in poultry in 2022 and later moved into dairy cattle in 2024, continues to affect both livestock and wild birds. The USDA has recorded H5N1 detections in more than 1,000 US dairy herds and reports that California’s ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs remains in effect. The last new detection in US dairy herds occurred in late June, with a reported outbreak in Arizona.

CDC and USDA have made changes to their public reporting. Due to slowing case counts in both humans and animals, the CDC now updates human H5N1 surveillance data monthly and focuses weekly flu reports on overall influenza trends. The USDA continues to provide the primary updates on animal cases. This streamlining reflects the declining pace of outbreaks during warmer months.

Turning to recent research, experts from the USDA and CDC emphasize the rarity of bird-to-human transmission. Most human H5N1 cases have occurred among people not fully vaccinated against seasonal flu and who had prolonged contact with infected livestock. Researchers continue to study the virus’s spread in dairy cows and wild birds, watching for any genetic changes that could raise human risk. No evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission has emerged.

What does all this mean for you? Routine influenza precautions remain your best protection. The overall risk to the general public continues to be low according to both the CDC and USDA. For those with backyard poultry, remain alert for illness in your flocks and follow USDA reporting guidance. Californians should be aware that livestock and poultry fairs remain under strict bans. Feeder hygiene and distancing from sick or dead birds are still strongly advised, though experts say there’s no need to take down bird feeders unless notified otherwise.

Comparing to previous weeks, the situation has grown more stable. New human infections have not been recorded recen

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now, your weekly roundup of the latest developments on avian influenza in the United States.

Today is August 25, 2025. Over the past week, state and federal agencies continue their response to the ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak impacting both livestock and public health. According to CDC reports, no new human H5N1 cases have been confirmed in the US since mid-February 2025. Nationally, the total stands at 70 human cases since April 2024. Most of these infections remain linked to direct exposure to sick dairy cows or poultry and have, so far, resulted in mild illness, treated successfully with antivirals. There remains no evidence of human-to-human transmission in the United States. The CDC emphasizes that the overall public health risk has not changed and is still considered low.

On the animal side, the outbreak persists across multiple states. The USDA has now documented confirmed H5N1 infections in 989 dairy herds spanning 17 states, with more than 90 million commercial and backyard birds affected since early 2022. Over the past week, California has reported reinfections on 43 dairy farms previously cleared and released from quarantine, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. In response, these dairies have been re-quarantined. The statewide ban on all poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at shows and fairs remains in effect. Regular surveillance and bulk tank milk testing are ongoing in California and other affected regions.

National surveillance also continues. The CDC, USDA, and FDA are coordinating efforts to monitor animal and human cases, protect farmworkers, and safeguard food supply chains. Surveillance data for influenza deaths and hospitalizations remain stable, with the CDC indicating only a fraction of recent deaths are linked to influenza, and none attributed to H5N1 in the latest reports.

In terms of official guidance, on July 7, the CDC streamlined H5N1 reporting and incorporated bird flu case updates into its routine influenza data updates. Human case numbers are now updated monthly, and livestock outbreak details are provided on the USDA website. The CDC continues to recommend heightened protective measures for people with occupational or recreational exposure to birds, poultry, or dairy cows. These include use of personal protective equipment, thorough hand hygiene, and awareness of symptoms.

On the research front, a new USDA technical report released August 7 offers an analysis of HPAI-affected livestock herds, and recent studies are refining models for disease surveillance in bulk milk testing. These scientific efforts aim to improve outbreak detection and containment in dairy environments.

For listeners, here’s what you need to know. For the vast majority of the public, the risk from H5N1 remains low. If you work on a farm or handle poultry or livestock, follow all biosecurity and hygiene protocols and contact health autho

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This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Today is Saturday, August 23, 2025.

We turn first to the latest H5N1 developments in the United States. As of mid-August, the US continues to see a significant number of H5N1 infections in dairy cattle, with the California Department of Food and Agriculture confirming 43 new detections this month in California dairies. These were sites that had previously recovered and been released from quarantine but have now tested positive again, prompting reissued state quarantines. Nationwide, the USDA reports nearly a thousand dairy herds affected in seventeen states since March of last year. The national ban on all poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at California shows and fairs remains in place as an added measure to limit further spread, particularly in the livestock sector, and routine surveillance across all dairies continues.

Looking at poultry and wild bird populations, more than 90 million birds in hundreds of commercial and backyard flocks have been affected by H5N1 since last year, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Library Guide. State agricultural authorities and the USDA are urging poultry farmers and backyard bird owners to watch closely for signs of illness in flocks and report suspected cases immediately to state veterinarians.

Turning now to human cases, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that between January and August 4, 2025, there have been twenty-six human H5N1 cases globally, but no new confirmed US cases since mid-February. The three most recent cases in the US were among individuals exposed directly to infected dairy cows or poultry. Importantly, the CDC has emphasized that all US cases remain isolated to people with direct contact with infected animals, and no person-to-person spread has been identified. The public health risk to the general US population remains low at this time.

Recent guidance from the CDC and USDA has not changed. The agencies continue to reinforce the importance of not consuming raw or unpasteurized milk and egg products, as these have been linked to animal exposures. The CDC is closely monitoring for any signs of H5N1 spreading beyond at-risk agricultural workers and states that standard food pasteurization eliminates the virus. They continue to recommend heightened hygiene precautions for people in contact with livestock or poultry, such as wearing gloves, masks, and eye protection when handling sick animals.

On the research front, the American Medical Association highlights ongoing work to track the virus in wastewater and study mutations in the H5N1 strains now circulating in cows. So far, there is no evidence that the current strains pose an increased threat to public health, but continued vigilance and rapid reporting are key.

Comparing this week to previous weeks, there has been a concerning uptick in reinfections at previously cleared California dairies, leading to reinstated quarantines. However, on the positive side, hu

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now for Friday, August 22, 2025. I’m your host, and here are the latest developments on bird flu in the United States.

This week, the nationwide outbreak of H5N1 bird flu continues to impact livestock and wild birds, with California remaining a key hotspot. The California Department of Food and Agriculture reports 43 newly re-confirmed cases of H5N1 in California dairy herds that were previously cleared but have now tested positive again. These farms have been placed back under quarantine, reflecting ongoing challenges with containment and resurgence of the virus in livestock. All California dairies are still subject to heightened surveillance, and the state’s ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows remains in effect.

Nationally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed over 989 dairy herds in 17 states with H5N1 since March 2024. Alongside dairy cattle, outbreaks in poultry continue, with more than 90 million birds affected since April 2024. The USDA emphasizes that new detections in dairies are reported on their website, but surveillance for reinfections and herd clearance remains ongoing for state officials.

Turning to human health news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there have been no new human cases of H5N1 in the United States since mid-February. The overall U.S. risk remains low. Globally, 26 human infections with H5N1 have been confirmed in 2025 so far. Three of these occurred in the United States earlier this year, all linked to direct animal exposure. No deaths have been reported in the U.S., and the CDC underscores that no person-to-person transmission has been identified within the country.

For pediatric health, the CDC FluView report notes that the 2024–2025 season has seen the highest number of influenza-associated pediatric deaths for a non-pandemic year since records began in 2004. Most deaths occurred in unvaccinated children, reinforcing the importance of yearly flu shots, especially for those at high risk.

Federal agencies including USDA, FDA, and CDC continue joint monitoring and technical investigations. On August 7, the USDA released a new technical report analyzing the status of HPAI-affected livestock herds. Notably, recent research is focusing on herd-level virus surveillance and refining bulk tank milk testing as a tool for tracking outbreaks. The June update on spillover events in Nevada and Arizona furthered understanding of the spread of H5N1 among livestock.

Comparing this week to previous updates, the situation in livestock is more challenging due to the reappearance of H5N1 in previously cleared California dairies. While new human cases have not emerged since February, vigilance remains high, and containment efforts continue. The overall public health risk still remains low, but the high numbers in animals indicate the virus is still present and causing concern across regions.

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This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host, and here are the latest developments on bird flu in the United States as of August 20, 2025.

Start with human cases. According to the CDC, there have been no new confirmed human infections of H5N1 in the US since mid-February 2025. The total remains at 70 human cases since the beginning of the outbreak, with those infections primarily related to direct exposure to infected dairy cows or poultry. Critically, experts stress that there is still no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in the United States. The CDC continues to call the current risk to the general public low, but emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance, especially among those with occupational exposure to birds and livestock.

Shifting to animal health, the outbreak continues to impact livestock and poultry across the US. The USDA reports that as of August, over 1,070 dairy herds in 18 states have now experienced confirmed cases of H5N1. In California, the Department of Food and Agriculture just confirmed 43 new reinfections in dairy herds that had previously cleared quarantine – resulting in those quarantines being reinstated. The ban on all poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions in California’s fairs and shows remains in effect. Nationally, outbreaks among wild birds and commercial poultry flocks have slowed during the warmer summer months. However, Pennsylvania recently reported a new H5N1 outbreak at a commercial game bird farm affecting nearly 30,000 birds, showing the virus maintains a presence even as overall activity dips during summer.

Official updates have shifted. The CDC announced it is now streamlining H5N1 reports, with new human cases updated weekly and broader surveillance and monitoring results released monthly. The CDC has also ceased including animal outbreak data on its site, instead directing professionals and the public to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which remains the clearinghouse for current animal cases.

Containment measures in affected regions include ongoing state-level quarantines, especially in California, and continued surveillance testing across all dairy herds. Restrictions on fairs and exhibitions remain in place in several states to limit the spread. The CDC continues to recommend that those working with birds or livestock use proper personal protective equipment and report any symptoms promptly.

Research into the virus’s transmission and evolution is ongoing. The CDC, collaborating with global partners, has found no mutations in recent H5N1 strains that would signal increased risk for sustained human transmission. However, surveillance remains critical. One significant finding this season: of pediatric influenza deaths, 90 percent involved unvaccinated children, underscoring how crucial vaccination is against all forms of flu.

For the general public, the current threat from H5N1 remains low. There is no evidence bird flu is spreading among people in

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This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host with a comprehensive update on the bird flu situation across the United States as of August 2025.

The ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak remains an active issue for both animal and human health. In the past week, the US Department of Agriculture has confirmed 43 new H5N1 cases in California dairy herds that were previously cleared and released from quarantine. These reinfections have prompted state authorities to place the affected dairies back under quarantine, and the state’s ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at shows and fairs continues. The California Department of Food and Agriculture continues regular surveillance and monitoring efforts as the number of impacted herds nationally has surpassed 1,000 since early 2024.

Nationally, outbreaks remain concentrated in both wild and domestic birds. The USDA website notes that, since spring 2024, H5N1 has been detected in nearly 1,000 dairy herds in 17 states. In poultry, more than 90 million birds have been affected, and detections are ongoing across commercial and backyard flocks.

Turning to human health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that no new human H5N1 cases have been confirmed in the United States during the past week. Since the beginning of 2025, three US cases were identified, all prior to mid-February, and no sustained person-to-person transmission has been detected here. In total, 70 human infections were reported in the US between 2024 and early 2025, with almost all linked to close contact with infected birds or dairy cows. The CDC, as of this week, continues to state that the threat to the general public remains low. Globally, 26 human H5N1 cases have been detected since January, mostly in other countries, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

For animal owners, especially those with backyard flocks or living near outbreak regions, USDA and CDC recommend continuing to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and dairy animals. Farm workers and those handling animals should use personal protective equipment and follow established protocols. People with flu-like symptoms after direct contact with affected animals should contact their healthcare provider and let them know about the exposure.

There have been ongoing research efforts to better understand H5N1. US government researchers and academic partners are accelerating development of improved diagnostic tests, additional antiviral treatments, and vaccines. While the rapid mutation of H5N1 poses ongoing challenges, there is no fundamental change in guidance this week.

Comparing to previous weeks, while California is seeing an uptick in reinfections among dairy herds, human case numbers in the US have remained steady at zero since February. This is consistent with the CDC’s ongoing assurance of low risk for the general public. However, containment and prevention measures in the agricultural sector have become more stringent in resp

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