Welcome to the Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update. Today is Friday, June 13, 2025. Here are your top stories:

First, a new outbreak of H5N1 has been reported on a poultry farm in southern France. The French Ministry of Health confirmed the outbreak, affecting approximately 15,000 birds. Rapid response teams have been deployed to contain the virus, and culling measures are underway to prevent further spread.

Second, the World Health Organization has released an update on the global H5N1 situation. They note a slight increase in reported human cases, with a total of 22 new infections confirmed in the past 24 hours. Most cases have been traced back to close contact with infected birds or surfaces contaminated by the virus. These developments push the cumulative global total this year to 475 human cases, with an overall mortality rate of approximately 55%.

Third, in response to the evolving situation, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their travel advisories for countries experiencing widespread outbreaks. Travelers are advised to avoid live poultry markets and farms and to maintain rigorous hand hygiene. The CDC is also urging laboratory researchers involved in vaccine development to expedite their efforts as part of their global preparedness initiative.

Comparing case numbers to yesterday, there is an increase of 10% in newly reported human infections, highlighting an upward trend that health authorities are closely monitoring. China's Ministry of Health has pledged to intensify surveillance and control measures to mitigate spread.

An expert working in the field provided some insights on the current situation. We spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, a virologist specializing in zoonotic diseases. According to Dr. Carter, "While the rise in human cases is concerning, it's crucial to focus on prevention and control strategies at the poultry-human interface. Governments worldwide need to enhance biosecurity measures and invest in public awareness campaigns."

Looking ahead, health officials anticipate further updates on the French outbreak's containment efforts. Additionally, researchers are expected to release preliminary findings from ongoing H5N1 vaccine trials, which may have implications for future preventive measures. Authorities are also set to meet in Geneva tomorrow to discuss a coordinated international response to the rising cases.

That's all for today’s update on the H5N1 bird flu situation. We will continue to keep you informed on any breaking news or developments. Thank you for tuning in to the Bird Flu Bulletin. Stay safe, and join us again tomorrow for the latest updates.