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

Today is July 28, 2025, and the landscape surrounding H5N1 avian influenza in America has shifted noticeably over the past month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 70 human cases have been identified in the United States since the beginning of 2024. Most of these involved direct exposure among dairy and poultry workers, with two reported fatalities since the outbreak began. However, there have been no recent reports of new human cases, and the CDC continues to assess the risk to the general public as low.

As for the animal situation, the US Department of Agriculture indicates that H5N1 remains widespread among wild birds nationwide, with ongoing but declining outbreaks in poultry and, more recently, in dairy cattle. Since last year, more than 1,000 dairy herds across 17 states have reported infections, but only one new herd case has been detected in the past 30 days. Similarly, the number of newly impacted poultry flocks is down significantly, with only three new affected flocks reported this month. The economic pressure on farmers and producers remains considerable, but egg prices, which reached record highs earlier in the year, have now dropped substantially according to the USDA.

In early July, the CDC officially deactivated its emergency response for H5N1, noting the significant decline in both human and animal cases. Surveillance continues as before, but updates are now incorporated into regular influenza data, with cases in animals tracked on the USDA site. The CDC also highlights that there has not been any evidence of human-to-human transmission of H5N1 in the United States to date.

Recent research offers crucial practical guidance. The FDA confirms that pasteurization inactivates H5N1 in milk. This means the commercial milk supply remains safe, but consuming raw, unpasteurized dairy products is strongly discouraged, as animals fed raw milk have contracted the virus. For the public, the CDC emphasizes that those without direct contact with infected livestock or poultry remain at low risk, but workers in those sectors should strictly observe recommended biosecurity and protective measures.

Comparing this week’s situation to previous weeks, the overall trend is increasingly positive. Animal and human case numbers both continue to decline. The CDC and USDA’s updated containment and reporting measures reflect these steady improvements, and several states are scaling back emergency declarations.

As a reminder, if you have had close contact with sick or dead birds, poultry, or dairy cows, or develop symptoms such as conjunctivitis after such exposure, seek medical advice promptly. Otherwise, for most Americans, no new precautions are necessary at this time.

That concludes today’s Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Thank you for tuning in. Please join us again next week for

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This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now, your three-minute briefing on the latest developments in avian influenza across the country.

As of July 26, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the United States has seen a total of 70 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N1, in humans since early 2024. These cases were mostly identified among dairy and poultry workers with unprotected exposures to infected animals. The majority of infections resulted in mild illness, though there were two deaths documented. According to current CDC data, there have been no new human H5N1 cases in the United States within the past several weeks.

On the animal health front, the US Department of Agriculture confirms that over the past year, 1,074 dairy herds in 17 states have tested positive for H5N1 in cattle, and outbreaks continue to be detected in commercial and backyard poultry flocks. The latest significant animal outbreak was confirmed in early July at a commercial game bird farm in Pennsylvania. However, like human cases, animal detections have decreased through the summer’s warmer months.

This week, both the CDC and USDA announced important changes reflecting the improved situation. On July 7, the CDC officially ended its H5N1 emergency response. From now on, H5N1 surveillance updates will be incorporated into the agency's routine influenza reporting, with national case summaries for humans updated monthly rather than weekly. As part of the transition, animal case data will now be exclusively available on the USDA’s website.

The CDC maintains that the current risk to the general public remains low. There is still no evidence of person-to-person transmission within the United States. Most cases have been linked to direct contact with infected livestock or contaminated environments, particularly when personal protective equipment was not used.

On the research front, the development of human vaccines against H5N1 continues, though the Department of Health and Human Services recently canceled a major contract with Moderna over concerns about mRNA delivery platforms. However, vaccine projects using more conventional approaches are ongoing, and experts stress that preparedness remains a top priority.

For the average listener, these developments mean that, at present, the risk of bird flu to the general population is minimal. The CDC does recommend that anyone working closely with poultry, dairy cattle, or wild birds remain vigilant, use personal protective equipment, and report any flu-like symptoms after exposure. For consumers, USDA confirms that milk and eggs available in stores remain safe due to pasteurization and inspection measures.

Comparing this to previous weeks and months, the sharp decrease in new human and animal cases, the end of emergency declarations, and the shift toward routine surveillance all represent significant progress. Still, experts urge ongoing caution, especially as the fall appr

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This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.

Today is Friday, July 25, 2025, and here are the latest developments on the H5N1 avian influenza situation in the United States.

As of this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that a total of 70 human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been identified in the United States since 2024. These cases have predominantly occurred in dairy and poultry workers with known animal exposures, and the vast majority of cases resulted in mild illness. There have been two fatalities linked to H5N1 in the US, with the most recent fatality reported earlier this year in Louisiana. The CDC emphasizes that the risk of H5N1 to the general US public remains low.

No new human cases have been reported in recent weeks. On July 7th, the CDC officially ended its H5N1 bird flu emergency response and has now integrated H5N1 updates into its regular seasonal influenza reporting. The CDC continues to monitor over 18,000 people with possible exposures and will provide monthly public updates on surveillance and testing.

On the animal side, the US Department of Agriculture reports that since March 2024, more than 1,000 US dairy herds across 17 states have confirmed H5N1 infections. Cases in commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks now total over 90 million birds affected nationwide, with significant outbreaks still occurring, such as a recent event involving nearly 30,000 game birds in Pennsylvania in early July. However, the spread has slowed during the summer months, and the latest detection in dairy cattle was in Arizona on June 24.

There have been some changes to official guidance. As the CDC transitions to regular flu surveillance, it will no longer provide weekly reports on animal cases; instead, the USDA will serve as the main source for these updates. CDC guidance for clinicians remains: consider avian influenza in patients presenting with conjunctivitis and a history of recent livestock or wild bird exposure.

On the research front, the Department of Health and Human Services recently canceled a $600 million contract with Moderna for an mRNA-based avian flu vaccine. However, three contracts for more conventional vaccines remain in place and under development, reflecting ongoing caution and preparedness.

For listeners wondering what all this means, the CDC and public health officials stress that while the public health risk is considered low, people working on farms, in poultry operations, or handling wild birds should use appropriate protective gear and follow biosecurity protocols. There is still no evidence of person-to-person transmission in the US, and monitoring efforts remain robust.

Comparing the current situation to previous weeks, the decline in both human and animal outbreaks has allowed authorities to wind down emergency operations, but vigilance continues. Animal cases persist, particularly in some states, but the national response is shifting from crisis mode to sustain

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This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host, bringing you the top developments on H5N1 bird flu in the United States as of July 23, 2025.

We begin today with the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the CDC, as of this week, there have been 70 confirmed human cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the US since early 2024. These cases have predominantly occurred among dairy and poultry workers who had contact with sick livestock, especially in states like Colorado, Michigan, Texas, and more recently, California. Almost all human cases have presented as mild—mainly conjunctivitis or mild respiratory symptoms—with only a few requiring hospitalization. There have been two fatalities reported over the course of the outbreak. The CDC emphasizes that there is still no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission and assesses the current health risk to the US public as low.

Turning to animals, avian influenza remains widespread in wild birds and continues to affect poultry and dairy cows. According to the latest from the USDA, the virus is still circulating but outbreaks among commercial birds and dairy herds have slowed during the summer months. The most recent animal detection was July 2 at a game bird farm in Pennsylvania, while the last reported outbreak in dairy cattle was June 24 in Arizona, bringing the national total to 1,074 affected cattle herds since March last year.

A major procedural update: the CDC announced on July 7 that it is winding down its emergency response. After months of focused monitoring, H5N1 updates are now incorporated into its routine influenza reporting, and new human case data is added in monthly updates. Meanwhile, animal case counts will be updated by the USDA. The CDC is continuing close surveillance, especially for signs that could indicate higher risk to humans, such as unusual clusters or evidence of human-to-human transmission.

On the research front, the CDC recently identified a genetic change in the H5N1 virus from a patient in California, while GISAID reported a mutation that may slightly reduce the effectiveness of oseltamivir, but only at the lab level and not observed with clinical impact. Researchers confirm that genetic links between viruses in cows, workers, and other farm animals suggest ongoing spillover, but crucially, significant adaptation to efficient human transmission has not been detected.

So what does this mean for you? According to both the CDC and USDA, the overall risk remains low for the broader public. Most cases have occurred in people with direct, unprotected contact with sick animals. For the general public, avoiding raw, unpasteurized dairy products and following basic hygiene around animals are the main recommendations. For workers in livestock and poultry industries, using personal protective equipment and reporting symptoms early remains key.

Compared to several weeks ago, the rate of newly reported hum

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This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host, bringing you the latest developments in the ongoing bird flu situation across the United States.

We begin with the current national status. According to the CDC, as of July 7, 2025, the public health emergency for H5N1 avian influenza was officially ended. This decision reflected a significant decline in new human cases and a low ongoing risk to the general public. The CDC has now integrated bird flu tracking into its routine influenza surveillance, meaning future updates will appear alongside standard flu reporting.

Since the start of the outbreak in early 2024, the United States has recorded a total of seventy confirmed human cases of H5N1. These have occurred primarily among dairy and poultry workers. Most recent counts show no new human cases in the past month and no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The CDC continues to emphasize that the risk to the average American remains low.

Turning to animal health, the USDA reports that the virus is still circulating among animal populations. In the last month, only one new case was confirmed in dairy cattle in Arizona. Poultry flocks have seen three new outbreaks affecting about thirty thousand birds, with the largest outbreaks traced to Arizona, Idaho, and Pennsylvania. However, these numbers are way down from the spikes seen earlier this year, like the large poultry outbreak in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Monitoring and reporting practices have shifted. The CDC will no longer be posting regular updates on animal cases and is instead referring all animal surveillance data to the USDA. This move is part of a broader transition back to standard operating procedures. Still, some health experts have voiced concern about scaling back special monitoring, urging continued vigilance due to the virus’s presence in wild and migrating birds.

In research, innovative rapid diagnostic tools are gaining traction, allowing field detection and response teams to act faster during outbreaks. A mathematical model of H5N1 spread in US dairy herds, published two months ago in the journal Nature, highlights the continuing risk of virus movement between species and underscores the need for ongoing surveillance in both livestock and humans.

Here’s what these updates mean for you. Unless you have direct exposure to infected animals, your health risk remains very low. The CDC still recommends that those working in agriculture, especially around dairy herds and poultry, wear protective equipment and stay vigilant for flu-like symptoms, particularly conjunctivitis, which has been a common symptom in reported human cases.

Comparing this situation to previous weeks, there’s a clear downward trend in both animal and human infections. Emergency protocols are no longer in place, and the financial and supply-chain disruptions previously experienced by the poultry and dairy industries are easing. That said, officials stress the importance of rapid reporting should t

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This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host, and here’s what you need to know about the latest developments on avian influenza in the United States, as of July 19, 2025.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture continue to monitor the ongoing presence of H5N1 bird flu across the country. Over the past year and a half, bird flu has heavily impacted both wildlife and agriculture. Since February 2022, more than 169 million commercial and backyard poultry birds have died or been culled due to the virus, with outbreaks now detected in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, according to the CDC and USDA.

Turning to human cases, the total remains relatively low considering the wide animal outbreak. As of late June, 70 confirmed human infections with H5N1 have been reported in the United States since April 2024. Most of these resulted from direct contact with sick dairy cows or infected poultry. The majority of affected individuals have been farm workers, particularly those with unprotected workplace exposures.

In the past week, the CDC has continued to emphasize that the overall risk to the general public remains low. No evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission has been observed, and most human cases have shown mild symptoms, most commonly conjunctivitis. The CDC now recommends that clinicians consider the possibility of avian influenza in patients presenting with conjunctivitis who have been around livestock or poultry within ten days prior to symptom onset.

On the animal side, the USDA reports that as of this month, nearly 1,000 dairy herds in 17 states have confirmed H5N1 infections. At the same time, over 336 commercial poultry flocks and 207 backyard flocks have also been affected. H5N1 remains widespread among wild birds as well, with detections in all 51 reporting jurisdictions, based on data compiled by the CDC and USDA.

There has been a notable development in food safety. The Food Safety and Inspection Service, part of the USDA, has now tested more than 600 beef samples from dairy cows. Only one sample, from a cow in California, showed a very low level of H5N1 in a specific muscle tissue and kidney, but further testing of other cuts from the same cow was negative. Importantly, this carcass was never released into the food supply, and cooking guidelines indicate that common temperatures for preparing beef effectively inactivate the virus.

On the research front, rapid field-based diagnostic tools are being deployed to help speed up the detection and containment of outbreaks in both poultry and dairy herds. Efforts also continue toward vaccine development and increasing biosecurity within affected industries.

Comparing to previous weeks, the general trend is one of continued vigilance without evidence of increased risk to the broader public or new routes of transmission. Reporting has shifted to monthly updates, reflecting a stabilization in the pattern of cases but ongoing concern,

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

Here are the top headlines. Over the past week, H5N1 bird flu continues to be closely monitored across the United States, with both the CDC and USDA providing fresh updates. Human cases remain relatively rare, and most of those affected have had close contact with infected animals, particularly dairy cows and poultry.

As of late July 2025, federal health officials report a total of 70 laboratory-confirmed human cases of H5N1 in the U.S. since 2024, an increase from previous months. Most of these cases were associated with direct exposure to either infected dairy cows or poultry. The majority of people who contracted the virus experienced mild symptoms, typically conjunctivitis, and have recovered after antiviral treatment. Serious complications, hospitalizations, and deaths have been rare and almost entirely among individuals with significant animal exposure, often without using protective gear. To date, there is still no documented human-to-human transmission of H5N1 in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Animal outbreaks remain extensive. Since last year, the USDA confirms that 989 dairy herds across 17 states have had H5N1 detected, and more than 90 million poultry, both commercial and backyard, have been affected or culled to contain the spread. Wildlife and mammal cases continue to be reported, with new detections in states such as Arizona and California within the last month according to USDA surveillance. This highlights the virus’s persistence and the ongoing need for rigorous animal health monitoring.

The most significant change in guidance arrived on July 7, 2025, when the CDC streamlined its bird flu updates to align with other influenza reporting. Influenza activity, including H5N1, will now be updated monthly and integrated into broader routine flu surveillance programs. CDC officials emphasize that the general public risk remains low but continue to urge people who work with or around birds, poultry, or livestock to take protective measures, including using personal protective equipment and watching for symptoms like conjunctivitis.

On the research front, technical reports published in June confirmed that the virus’s genetic makeup has not changed in a way that would allow easier human-to-human transmission. The World Health Organization and scientists continue to monitor for any mutations that could raise the threat level.

To put this in context compared to previous weeks, the overall number of new human cases remains stable. Ongoing animal outbreaks, however, indicate that H5N1 is still a threat in agricultural settings, underscoring the importance of continued containment efforts and personal vigilance among farm workers and those with animal contact. Federal health authorities stress there has been no uptick in risk to the general population.

For listeners, here’s

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

The US is continuing to monitor H5N1 bird flu, although the situation has improved. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70 human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in the US since 2024. These cases have primarily been linked to exposures among workers in dairy herds and poultry facilities, and most people experienced mild illness, often presenting as conjunctivitis. Nationwide, over 18,600 people have been monitored for potential exposures, with more than 880 actually tested for bird flu after contact with affected animals. Importantly, no cases of sustained human-to-human transmission have been identified in the US.

In animals, the US Department of Agriculture has reported 1,074 outbreaks in dairy cattle herds since last year, affecting 17 states, with the most recent detection in late June in Arizona. Additionally, outbreaks in commercial poultry and game bird farms have continued, the latest being a significant outbreak at a Pennsylvania game bird farm at the start of July.

With fewer new outbreaks during the warm summer months, both the CDC and several states are easing their emergency responses. The CDC ended its emergency bird flu response last week, a decision echoed by states like California and Washington. National data on H5N1 will now be included in routine flu updates, with monthly reporting on the numbers of people monitored and tested. This streamlining reflects falling numbers of new human and animal cases, and CDC continues to assess the risk to the general public as low. However, public health officials remain vigilant and closely monitor for any unusual flu activity or new human cases, especially in people with animal exposures.

Significant research in recent months has highlighted that the majority of human infections in the US have resulted in mild symptoms, with just a few hospitalizations and one reported death. The CDC and USDA stress that there is still no evidence of ongoing person-to-person spread of H5N1. However, experts are continuing to study the virus’s mutations and are prepared to respond should there be any change in the behavior of the virus.

For everyday listeners, what does all this mean? If you work with poultry or dairy cattle, following biosecurity guidelines and using protective equipment continues to be the best way to prevent infection. For the general public, the current risk remains low, and there is no need for changes in daily routine. Keep an eye out for any new guidance, especially if you live or work near affected farms.

Comparing this week to previous months, case numbers among humans and animals have declined, and the emergency footing has been relaxed. Egg and poultry prices, which surged during the height of the outbreak, are now decreasing for consumers. The overall tone

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host with the latest on H5N1 avian influenza in the United States as of July 14th, 2025.

Let’s begin with the most recent developments. According to the CDC, the United States has confirmed a total of 70 human H5N1 cases since 2024. These infections remain closely linked to exposures among agricultural workers, mainly those handling sick dairy cows and poultry. The latest CDC update notes that no new human cases have been reported in the last week, and, importantly, there remains **no evidence of person-to-person H5N1 transmission** in the U.S. Most human cases have involved mild illness, such as conjunctivitis, but there have also been a few hospitalizations and one death linked to the virus. Health officials stress that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low.

On the animal health front, the USDA reports that as of early July, H5N1 continues to impact both commercial and backyard flocks. The most recent major detection was confirmed at a Pennsylvania game bird farm on July 2nd, affecting nearly 30,000 birds. In dairy cattle, the last confirmed outbreak occurred in Arizona on June 24th. Since March 2024, more than 1,000 dairy herds in 17 states have been affected, and in total, more than 90 million domestic birds have died or been culled to limit the spread of the virus.

In a significant change, both the CDC and the USDA have **streamlined public updates**. The CDC ended its formal emergency response last week as outbreaks have slowed and is now providing H5N1 data as part of its regular flu surveillance. Updates on monitored and tested individuals are now reported monthly. The USDA continues to track animal cases, but state-level responses have also been dialed back, with emergency declarations in hard-hit states like California ending this spring.

Recent research has focused on monitoring possible mutations in H5N1 that could increase its ability to infect humans. So far, there are **no indications that the virus is becoming more transmissible between people**. The CDC continues to watch for any such changes closely.

Here’s what this means for you: Unless you work closely with potentially infected animals, your risk remains very low. The CDC reminds those in agriculture to use recommended personal protective equipment and follow strict biosecurity protocols. For consumers, both the CDC and the USDA confirm that properly cooked poultry, beef, and dairy products remain safe to eat, as cooking kills the virus.

Comparing to previous weeks, the pace of new outbreaks and human cases has slowed considerably, which prompted the CDC to step down its emergency posture and return to routine monitoring. However, experts caution that vigilance must continue, especially as the fall migratory season could increase risks for both birds and livestock.

That wraps up this week’s Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to come bac

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host, and here are the latest developments on bird flu, or H5N1, in the United States as of July 12, 2025.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have both shifted their approaches to reporting bird flu cases, reflecting a major change in the situation. The CDC ended its emergency response for H5N1 at the start of July, citing a significant decline in both human and animal infections. The CDC is now incorporating bird flu updates into its routine influenza reports. This means that updates on the number of people monitored and tested for H5N1 will now be released monthly, rather than weekly, and detailed animal case counts are being directed to the USDA website instead of the CDC’s main page.

Since the first U.S. outbreak of H5N1 among dairy cows in March 2024, there have been a total of 70 human cases in the United States, all among people with direct contact with infected animals, such as farm or dairy workers. Importantly, there have been no new human cases confirmed since February 2025 and, to date, no evidence of human-to-human transmission in the U.S. Only one fatality has been reported, occurring earlier this year in Louisiana, according to the CDC. The bulk of human cases over the past year had occurred in states like California and Washington, but these states have now wound down their emergency response efforts.

On the animal front, the USDA last confirmed H5N1 at a game bird farm in Pennsylvania on July 2 and in dairy cattle in Arizona on June 24. The overall trend is a decline in new outbreaks during the summer months, with state and federal officials urging farmers and poultry producers to maintain strict biosecurity in anticipation of possible resurgence in the fall.

For listeners, the CDC and health officials continue to emphasize that the current risk to the general public remains low. There have been no changes to personal protective recommendations for people who have no direct exposure to sick birds or livestock. For those who work with poultry or dairy cattle, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and monitoring for symptoms such as conjunctivitis or respiratory illness remains advised.

In recent research, scientists are closely monitoring for any mutations in the H5N1 virus that could increase the risk of human-to-human transmission. So far, analyses show no significant changes. While bird-flu vaccines are FDA-approved and stockpiled, none have been deployed to the public during this outbreak.

Comparing the situation to previous months, the number of new human and animal infections has decreased, and no new human cases have been reported since winter. The emergency posture has been deactivated, signaling a return to regular surveillance, but the CDC states it will rapidly respond to any changes.

Thank you for tuning in to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. We’ll be back n

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