Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now
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Welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Im your host, bringing you the latest on avian influenza developments in the United States. Today, were covering confirmed cases, agency updates, guidance changes, research highlights, what it means for you, and a comparison to recent weeks. All facts straight from CDC, USDA, WHO, and state reports.
Starting with human cases: The most recent confirmed infection is the 71st H5 case since early 2024, reported by WHO on November 15, 2025, in Washington state. CDC sequencing verified it as the first global human H5N5 case, from clade 2.3.4.4b, linked to wild birds and mammals. The patient had respiratory symptoms but recovered; no human-to-human transmission detected. CDC reports no new H5 human cases in week 52 ending December 27, 2025, with over 31,400 people monitored and 1,300 tested since March 2024.
In animals, Franklin County, North Carolina, confirmed its first backyard poultry flock H5N1 case on January 1, 2026, per local health alerts dated January 6. The ongoing outbreak since March 2024 has hit dairy cows in multiple states, poultry, wild birds, and mammals. USDA and partners continue surveillance.
From CDC and USDA this past week: CDC maintains 10-day monitoring for exposed individuals, recommending testing for respiratory or eye symptoms. No unusual human flu activity noted. FDA updates affirm pasteurization inactivates H5N1 in milk; their raw milk cheese sampling, started January 2, 2025, shows 96 of 110 samples negative as of March 2025, with more pending.
No major guidance changes this week, but CDC streamlined H5 reporting in July 2025 to align with routine flu updates.
Research note: FDA funds studies on H5N1 inactivation in dairy processes, genome-edited chickens for resistance, and raw milk waste disposal, partnering with universities like Cornell and Georgia.
For listeners: Risk to the public remains low. Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized cheese, and contact with sick birds or cows. If exposed, watch for flu-like symptoms up to 10 days and seek testing. Commercial milk supply is safe per FDA and USDA.
Compared to previous weeks: No new human cases since November 2025s H5N5 event, down from peaks earlier in 2025 mostly H5N1 in dairy workers. Animal detections persist, like North Carolinas fresh poultry case, versus quieter late 2025. Monitoring steady at 22,000-plus exposed since March 2024.
Stay informed, stay safe.
Thanks for tuning in. Come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.
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