This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host, bringing you the latest on the H5N1 bird flu situation across the United States as of August 8, 2025.
First, to the most recent confirmed cases. According to the CDC, no new human infections with H5N1 have been reported in the US since mid-February 2025. Globally, there have been 26 human infections this year, but the only three US cases occurred earlier and were associated with direct contact with infected animals. Importantly, none have resulted in person-to-person spread and all affected individuals experienced mild illness and recovered after antiviral treatment. The CDC continues to state that the overall risk to public health in the US remains low.
In animals, the USDA reports the total number of affected dairy herds has now surpassed 1,070 since March 2024, with the most recent dairy herd detection in Arizona at the end of June. Meanwhile, California is facing a notable challenge: the California Department of Food and Agriculture confirmed that 43 dairy farms, previously cleared of infection, have been re-quarantined following new detections of H5N1. All dairies in the state remain under close surveillance. The nationwide ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions in California is still in effect, reflecting these ongoing concerns.
Among wild and domestic birds, the outbreak continues with millions affected. The most recent major outbreak, as reported by the USDA, was confirmed in a commercial game bird farm in Pennsylvania in early July, involving 29,300 birds. Across wild populations, nearly every region in the country has documented cases, with waterfowl and raptors significantly impacted.
Within the past week, both the CDC and USDA updated their reporting practices in response to slowing outbreaks. Starting this month, the CDC has streamlined its H5N1 data updates, now posting new human case information on its situation page and rolling animal updates to the USDA’s dedicated site. Ongoing monitoring efforts remain robust: over 18,600 people exposed to infected animals have been tracked and more than 880 have been tested, but no new human cases have emerged.
On the research front, the CDC highlights ongoing genomic surveillance to monitor any changes in the H5N1 virus that could increase risks to humans or animals. However, to date, there is no evidence of changes raising the pandemic risk or enabling easier human-to-human spread.
For listeners, what do these developments mean for you? If you work with or are in contact with poultry, wild birds, or dairy cattle, proper protective measures remain essential. The CDC recommends wearing gloves and masks, avoiding dead or obviously ill wildlife, and immediately reporting sick domestic animals to authorities. The risk to the general public is still considered low, but staying informed and practicing good hygiene, such as handwashing after outdoor activities, is strongly advised.
Comparing this week to previous periods, the picture is cautiously optimistic. Human cases have not increased, new animal outbreaks have slowed during the summer, and official agencies are refining their response to match the current level of risk. However, the resurgence of infections in previously cleared dairy herds in California is a reminder that H5N1 remains a persistent threat, especially for those in direct contact with affected animals.
Thank you for tuning in to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Join us again next week for the latest on H5N1 in the US. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.
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