Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

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Host: Good evening, and welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I'm your host, bringing you the latest on avian influenza developments in the United States. CDC FluView for week 46, ending November 15, reports the first human H5 case since February: a Washington state resident with backyard poultry exposed to wild birds, confirmed as A(H5N5) by CDC sequencing on November 20. The patient is hospitalized; this marks the 71st US H5 human case since early 2024, per CDC and WHO data. Washington officials confirm the patient has died, the second US H5 fatality after Louisiana's first.

In animals, USDA reports 989 dairy herds affected across 17 states since March 2024, with ongoing detections in wild birds—13,001 cases in 51 jurisdictions as of May 7—and 90.9 million poultry impacted in 336 commercial and 207 backyard flocks since April. Recent USDA actions include mandatory raw milk testing from silos starting early December 2024, amid over 700 infected herds.

CDC's past-week update via FluView notes no person-to-person spread detected; risk to the public remains low. No new guidance changes, but CDC streamlined H5 reporting into routine flu updates on July 7. FDA affirms pasteurization inactivates H5N1, with August 2024 retail surveys finding no viable virus in 167 dairy samples.

Research highlights: FDA funds thermal inactivation studies with Cornell and partners, plus genome-edited chickens for resistance via University of Wisconsin. No major new findings this week.

For listeners: Avoid sick or dead birds, wild or backyard. Wear PPE if handling poultry or dairy cattle. Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly; pasteurized milk is safe. High-risk workers: monitor symptoms like fever, cough, get tested if exposed.

Compared to prior weeks: Zero human cases from February to November, a nine-month gap broken by this fatality. Dairy herd counts rose steadily; wild bird detections continue seasonally. Overall stable, but vigilance key as viruses evolve.

Thank you 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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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host, and here’s what you need to know about avian influenza in the United States right now.

The latest confirmed human case of H5 bird flu in the U.S. was reported by the World Health Organization on November 15, 2025. This is the 71st confirmed human case of H5 in the United States since early 2024 and the first reported since February 2025. CDC laboratory sequencing confirmed the virus as influenza A H5N5, marking the first human case of this subtype ever reported globally. The infected person had exposure to infected animals, and to date, no human-to-human transmission has been identified in any of the U.S. H5 cases. The CDC continues to assess the immediate risk to the general public as low.

Since 2024, the 71 human cases have been linked to three main exposure sources: 41 cases in people with contact with infected dairy herds, 24 in poultry workers or those involved in culling operations, and three with other or unknown animal exposure. One earlier case in a Colorado poultry worker in 2022 is also counted in the total. Louisiana reported the first H5 bird flu death in the U.S., but CDC still emphasizes that the overall public health risk remains low and that sustained person-to-person spread has not occurred.

On the animal side, USDA data shows that since March 2024, more than 980 dairy herds across 17 states have had confirmed H5N1 infections in dairy cows. The outbreak in dairy cattle continues to be a major focus for federal and state agencies. In poultry, USDA reports detections in hundreds of commercial and backyard flocks, affecting tens of millions of birds nationwide. Wild bird surveillance also remains active, with HPAI detections reported in multiple states, including recent alerts in Texas and Indiana.

CDC recently streamlined its H5 bird flu reporting, integrating updates into routine influenza data releases. As of early July 2025, CDC stopped posting USDA animal data on its bird flu page and now only reports new human H5 cases there and in FluView. National targeted H5 surveillance data, including the number of people monitored and tested after animal exposure, is updated monthly on the CDC site.

USDA continues to lead animal health response, including mandatory raw milk testing from dairy processing silos as part of its surveillance strategy. This testing helps identify affected herds and supports the broader effort to contain spread in dairy operations. The FDA continues to affirm that commercial pasteurization effectively inactivates H5N1 virus in milk, and ongoing research is evaluating thermal inactivation, cheese-making processes, and disposal of raw milk waste to further strengthen the milk safety system.

For the public, CDC and health officials stress that the immediate risk from H5 bird flu remains low. Most human cases have occurred in people with direct, prolonged contact with infected animals, especially sick dairy cows or i

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This is “Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.”

I’m your host, and for the next three minutes we’ll break down the latest on H5N1 bird flu in the United States: where new cases are appearing, what federal agencies are saying this week, and what it all means for you.

We start with human cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that since 2024 there have been 71 confirmed human H5 bird flu infections in the United States, most linked to direct contact with infected dairy cattle or poultry. According to CDC, there is still no confirmed person to person spread, and the overall risk to the general public remains low.

Most recent cases continue to occur in farm workers and others with close, unprotected exposure to sick or infected animals. A New England Journal of Medicine analysis of U.S. cases through mid 2025 found that most patients had mild illness, such as eye infection or flu like symptoms, though a small number required hospitalization and there has been one death.

On the animal side, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says highly pathogenic H5N1 has now been confirmed in nearly one thousand dairy herds across 17 states, along with hundreds of commercial and backyard poultry flocks. USDA’s latest updates also document ongoing detections in wild birds across more than 50 jurisdictions, including ducks, geese, vultures, and raptors, showing the virus remains widespread in wildlife.

Within the past week, USDA has continued its national milk testing strategy to monitor for H5N1 in the dairy supply, while state agriculture departments report steady, not explosive, increases in affected herds. The Food and Drug Administration, citing repeated testing, continues to say that pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe to consume.

CDC’s most recent guidance has not changed in a major way. The agency still urges people who work with poultry, dairy cattle, or other potentially infected animals to wear appropriate personal protective equipment: gloves, eye protection, and at least a well fitting mask, ideally a respirator, along with good hand and equipment hygiene. CDC does not currently recommend H5 vaccination for the general public, but has candidate vaccines ready should the risk profile change.

On the research front, recent studies of U.S. H5N1 viruses in humans and cattle show the virus has adapted to infect mammals more efficiently than earlier strains, but according to CDC and collaborating laboratories it has not yet acquired the combination of changes associated with easy human to human spread.

So what does this mean for you? For most people, day to day risk is still low. Cook poultry, eggs, and meat to safe internal temperatures. Avoid contact with sick or dead birds or mammals. Do not consume raw, unpasteurized milk. If you work around potentially infected animals, follow your workplace safety protocols and seek medical care promptly if you develop flu like symptoms after exposure.

Compared with previous weeks,

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This is “Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.”

In the United States, health officials report that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 remains primarily an animal outbreak with only sporadic human infections, mostly in people who work closely with livestock and poultry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, says the overall risk to the general public is still considered low.

According to the CDC’s current situation summary, the U.S. has confirmed a total of about 70 to 71 human H5N1 cases since the outbreak in dairy cattle began in March 2024, spread across 13 states. Most of those cases involved mild illness and direct exposure to infected dairy cows or poultry. A small number of patients required hospitalization, and there has been one confirmed H5-related death in Louisiana linked to backyard poultry exposure, reported by CDC and summarized for local health departments by the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

In animals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, continues to report detections of H5N1 in commercial poultry, backyard flocks, and wild birds in multiple regions. USDA tracking shows ongoing but uneven activity, with new detections still appearing in some commercial table-egg operations and live bird markets, as well as in wild birds monitored across the country.

Within the past week, CDC and USDA updates have focused on surveillance and steady containment rather than major policy changes. CDC has now folded H5 reporting into its routine flu updates, shifting to monthly data on monitoring and testing while continuing to post any new human cases as they are confirmed. The agency reiterates that it has not seen genetic changes in the virus that would suggest easier person-to-person spread or resistance to existing antivirals.

Guidance from CDC and USDA continues to emphasize protective measures for workers on dairy and poultry operations: consistent use of personal protective equipment, rapid testing if symptoms develop after exposure, and strict biosecurity on farms. There is still no recommendation for H5N1 vaccination for the general public. Federal agencies have, however, laid groundwork for an H5 vaccine program if the risk profile changes.

On the research front, recent scientific reports in peer‑reviewed journals describe 70 U.S. human H5N1 cases through May 2025, with most linked to dairy cows and commercial poultry and no sustained human‑to‑human transmission. Researchers note that while a few severe cases have occurred, the pattern remains sporadic and tied to animal exposure.

What does this mean for you? For most people, the immediate risk remains low. Public health agencies stress avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds and mammals, not handling raw milk from untested herds, and following routine food safety: cook poultry, eggs, and meat thoroughly. People who work with livestock or poultry should follow employer and public health guidance on protective gear and re

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Bird flu, specifically the H5N1 strain, continues to affect animals across the United States, while human cases remain rare and the overall public risk is still considered low by federal health agencies. This is “Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now.”

In the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been a few dozen human H5N1 infections in the United States since 2024, mostly among farm and poultry workers with direct contact with infected animals, and only a very small number of severe cases and deaths. CDC officials say there is still no evidence of sustained person‑to‑person spread, and they continue to rate the immediate risk to the general public as low.

On the animal side, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that highly pathogenic H5N1 remains active in commercial poultry, backyard flocks, wild birds, and dairy cattle herds in multiple states, with new detections continuing to appear in recent weeks as migratory birds move through the country. USDA tracking shows that outbreaks tend to ebb and flow by region, but affected farms still face culling of birds or movement restrictions on cattle to contain spread.

Within the past week, CDC has maintained its guidance that people who work with poultry, dairy cattle, or wild birds should use personal protective equipment, monitor for flu‑like symptoms, and get seasonal flu vaccination to reduce the chance of co‑infection. USDA has continued enforcement of testing and biosecurity rules for dairy operations and poultry farms, including surveillance of milk from processing plants and rapid response when new flocks test positive.

Recent research from federal and academic partners has reinforced several key findings: pasteurization effectively inactivates H5N1 in commercial milk, surveillance has not found viable virus in the retail dairy supply, and almost all human infections so far have come from close, unprotected animal exposure rather than community spread. Scientists are also studying how the virus behaves in mammals and how genetic changes might affect transmission and severity, work that helps refine vaccines and antiviral strategies.

For listeners, these developments mean that everyday risk remains low, but there are practical steps to stay safe. Avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds, do not handle or drink raw, unpasteurized milk, cook poultry and eggs thoroughly, and follow local health guidance if you work in agriculture or live near an affected farm. Anyone with flu‑like symptoms after close contact with sick birds, cattle, or other animals should contact a healthcare provider and mention that exposure.

Compared with previous weeks, the U.S. picture is one of ongoing, controlled activity rather than a new nationwide surge. Animal outbreaks continue to be detected, but human case numbers are not rapidly climbing, and existing containment and testing measures remain in place rather than moving to stricter lockdown‑style controls. Health agenc

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# Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

Good morning. This is your bird flu update for December 3rd, 2025. I'm bringing you the latest developments on H5N1 in the United States as we head into the winter months.

Let's start with human cases. According to CDC data, there have been 70 confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States since April 2024. Of these, 41 cases involved exposure to sick dairy cows, while 26 were linked to infected poultry. Three cases had undetermined sources. In 2025 specifically, we've seen three new human cases confirmed, including a dairy worker in Nevada with exposure to infected dairy cows, a poultry worker in Ohio with exposure to commercial poultry, and an owner of an infected backyard flock in Wyoming. Tragically, one person in Louisiana died from an H5 infection earlier this year, marking the first death from bird flu in the United States. The CDC continues to emphasize that person-to-person transmission has not been identified.

On the animal front, the situation remains widespread. The USDA reports that over 700 dairy herds across multiple states have been affected since March 2024. As of May 2025, more than 169 million poultry birds have been affected, including commercial and backyard flocks. Wild bird detections continue as well, with at least 13,000 wild birds confirmed with H5N1.

Recent research and surveillance efforts are intensifying. The FDA's ongoing assessments confirm that pasteurization remains effective at eliminating infectious H5N1 virus in dairy milk. In a second survey of retail dairy products conducted from June through July 2024, all 167 samples tested negative for viable H5N1 virus. The USDA implemented mandatory testing of raw milk supplies as part of comprehensive surveillance efforts. As of March 2025, 110 samples from planned testing locations had been collected, with 96 showing negative results for H5N1.

Looking at how this compares to the previous weeks, we're seeing a pattern of consistent detections in wild birds and continued spread among dairy herds. December 2024 marked a resurgence in wild bird detections, particularly affecting waterfowl at higher rates than earlier in the year. This pattern has continued through winter and into spring of 2025.

What does this mean for you? The CDC maintains that the immediate risk to the general public remains low. However, people with occupational exposure to infected animals, particularly dairy workers and poultry handlers, face higher risk and should take appropriate precautions. If you work in these industries, report any symptoms immediately to your healthcare provider. For the general population, standard food safety practices remain important. The commercial milk supply continues to be safe due to the effectiveness of pasteurization.

As we move through the winter season when flu activity typically increases, surveillance efforts are being heightened. The CDC has streamlined its reporting as of July 2025, integrating H5 bird flu upd

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# BIRD FLU UPDATE: US H5N1 NEWS NOW

Good evening. This is your bird flu briefing for December 2025. I'm bringing you the latest developments on avian influenza across the United States.

Starting with the most recent case: the CDC reported in November 2025 a new human H5N5 infection in Washington state. According to CDC data, this marks the 71st confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5) in the United States since early 2024. The patient, who kept backyard poultry with exposure to wild birds, remains hospitalized. This case is notable as the first human H5 infection reported since February 2025, representing a significant gap in recent cases.

Looking at the broader picture, the CDC confirms that of the 71 total human cases, 41 were associated with exposure to infected dairy cows and 24 were linked to poultry farms and culling operations. Three additional cases involved other animal exposures, and three cases had unknown exposure sources. Critically, federal health officials continue to emphasize that no person-to-person transmission has been identified in the United States.

On the animal health front, the situation remains widespread. According to USDA data from May 2025, more than 13,000 wild birds have tested positive for H5N1 across 51 jurisdictions. On the domestic side, over 169 million poultry have been affected across commercial and backyard flocks. The dairy industry has seen substantial impact, with 989 dairy herds confirmed infected across 17 states since March 2024.

The federal response continues to evolve. In December 2024, the USDA implemented mandatory testing of the national milk supply for bird flu, beginning with six states: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Oregon. This measure was activated as the outbreak affected over 700 dairy herds nationwide. Raw milk samples from dairy processing facilities are now collected and shared with agricultural officials as part of comprehensive surveillance efforts.

What does this mean for you? The CDC maintains that the immediate risk to the general public from H5 bird flu remains low. However, if you have occupational or recreational exposure to infected birds or mammals, take recommended precautions. The CDC notes there is currently no role for H5 vaccination for the general population given current transmission patterns and disease severity.

Comparing our situation to earlier months: the frequency of human cases has declined dramatically since the peak in late 2024. By January 2025, there were 66 confirmed cases, and the gap until November's new case suggests transmission rates have slowed considerably. Animal infections in dairy herds and poultry remain persistent but appear to have plateaued compared to the surge seen last year.

Federal agencies, including the CDC, USDA, FDA, and NIH, continue coordinated surveillance and research efforts. Laboratory studies are underway to better understand virus characteristics, and groundwork for potential H5 vacci

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# Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

Good morning. This is your bird flu update for late November 2025. I'm bringing you the latest developments on H5N1 across the United States.

According to the CDC, the United States has now confirmed 71 human cases of H5 bird flu since March 2024. Of these, 41 cases involved exposure to infected dairy cattle, 24 cases came from poultry farms and culling operations, three cases resulted from other animal exposure, and three cases have an unknown source. The most recent confirmed case was reported on November 14th in Washington state, involving a person aged 18 or older with underlying medical conditions who required hospitalization and treatment.

Since the first detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle in March 2024, the virus has spread to 18 states, affecting 1,082 dairy herds as of November 18th. The Pan American Health Organization reports that two additional dairy herds were affected since mid-October. Commercial poultry operations have been hit harder geographically, with detections now recorded in all 50 states.

The CDC and USDA have made significant changes to their reporting structure. On July 7th, 2025, the CDC streamlined H5 bird flu updates by integrating them with routine influenza data. Monthly reporting now replaces the previous more frequent cadence. Animal detection data from the USDA is no longer posted on the CDC website but remains available directly through USDA channels. These changes reflect adjustments to the current public health situation.

Wild bird detections continue to be a concern. As of November 18th, there have been 3,932 detections of avian influenza in wild birds across the Americas region. On November 13th, a case was confirmed in Spokane, Washington, and on November 12th, another was detected in Ada, Idaho. These findings underscore the role of migratory bird patterns in spreading the virus.

Regarding human illness severity, the situation remains relatively mild for most cases. Out of 70 confirmed cases tracked between March 2024 and May 2025, only four patients were hospitalized, representing 5.7 percent of cases. Tragically, one death occurred in Louisiana in a person exposed to backyard poultry and wild birds. This represents the first H5 bird flu death in the United States. The CDC confirms there has been no human-to-human transmission detected, and no known mutations showing resistance to antiviral medications have been identified.

Comparing this to earlier in the outbreak, the trajectory shows a slowing trend. The last human case detected through targeted surveillance occurred in February 2025. While this represents progress, health officials continue monitoring workers in agricultural settings, particularly those handling infected dairy cattle and commercial poultry during depopulation activities.

For listeners concerned about personal risk, the CDC emphasizes that H5N1 remains primarily an occupational hazard for farm workers and poultry handlers. General public expos

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# Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

Good evening. Welcome to Quiet Please News Brief. I'm your host, bringing you the latest developments on avian influenza sweeping across the United States.

As of late November 2025, the bird flu situation remains a significant public health concern. The CDC reports 71 confirmed and probable human cases of H5 bird flu since 2024, with 41 linked to dairy herds, 24 connected to poultry farms, and three from other animal exposures. One case has resulted in death. The most recent development marks a notable expansion in the virus landscape. On November 14th, Washington State reported the first known human case of influenza A(H5N5) infection, representing a new viral strain that had previously only been detected in animals.

The current outbreak continues to affect wild birds and commercial poultry operations nationwide. In the past 30 days, highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in 38 flocks, including 24 commercial operations and 14 backyard locations, affecting more than 4.4 million birds. States in the Midwest and South have been particularly impacted, with 18 states reporting outbreaks in backyard and commercial poultry flocks as of late November.

From a surveillance standpoint, the CDC has streamlined its reporting approach. Beginning in July 2025, the agency shifted to monthly data updates on the number of people monitored and tested for bird flu, reflecting the current public health situation. The CDC continues to monitor through its flu surveillance systems, and as of the most recent reports through early November, no confirmed human infections with H5 bird flu were reported that specific week.

Importantly, the CDC maintains that the current public health risk remains low. The agency emphasizes that human-to-human spread of avian influenza H5 virus has not been identified in the United States. However, ongoing surveillance is crucial, particularly among dairy and poultry workers with direct animal exposure.

What does this mean for you? While the immediate risk to the general public remains limited, these developments underscore the importance of following recommended precautions if you work with animals or handle poultry. The CDC advises wearing protective equipment when handling potentially infected birds and reporting any illness following animal exposure to local health authorities.

Comparing this to previous months, the situation has evolved. Earlier in 2025, the dominant genotype was D1.1, primarily circulating in migratory wild birds and detected in dairy cattle starting in February. The emergence of H5N5 in a human case represents a significant shift in the viral landscape, suggesting the virus continues to mutate and adapt.

The USDA and CDC continue coordinating containment efforts, though the agency has shifted animal outbreak reporting to USDA's dedicated website, streamlining the data landscape. Both agencies stress the importance of maintaining biosecurity measures on farms a

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Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now

This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Today, November 26, 2025, we bring you the latest on avian influenza in the United States.

Over the past week, the CDC has reported no new confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu. The total number of confirmed and probable human cases in the U.S. since 2024 remains at 71, with most linked to exposure to infected dairy herds or poultry farms. The CDC continues to monitor for any evidence of human-to-human transmission, but none has been identified so far. The agency now releases human bird flu data monthly, reflecting the current low public health risk.

On the animal side, the USDA reports ongoing H5N1 detections in wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks across multiple states. Recent outbreaks have been confirmed in Arizona, Idaho, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington. In Indiana, 11 new detections were reported over the weekend, mostly in commercial duck facilities. Large outbreaks also continue in South Dakota and North Carolina, affecting tens of thousands of birds.

A major development this week was the death of a Washington state resident from H5N5 avian flu, marking the first known human infection with this strain. The patient was an older adult with underlying health conditions and had a backyard flock exposed to wild birds. No other people have tested positive, and there is no evidence of human-to-human spread. This case is a reminder that while the risk to the general public remains low, those with close contact to infected animals should remain vigilant.

The CDC and USDA have streamlined reporting, with animal detection data now available on the USDA website and human case updates published monthly by the CDC. Guidance for the public remains unchanged: avoid contact with sick or dead birds, practice good hygiene around animals, and seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop after exposure.

Recent research highlights the continued spread of H5N1 in wild birds and dairy cattle, with genetic sequencing showing multiple genotypes circulating. The CDC notes that while most human cases have been mild, severe outcomes can occur, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions.

Compared to previous weeks, the number of new human cases has remained stable, but animal outbreaks continue at a high level, particularly in commercial poultry and dairy operations. The situation is being closely monitored, and containment measures remain in place to prevent further spread.

For listeners, this means the risk of bird flu remains low for most people. However, those working with poultry, dairy cattle, or wild birds should follow recommended precautions. The seasonal flu vaccine is also encouraged, as it can reduce the risk of co-infection with both human and avian influenza viruses.

Thank you for tuning in to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Come back next week for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production. For me, check o

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