This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update, Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Top stories

First, authorities across Europe are contending with a surge in highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu, with Germany at the epicenter. Since September, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute has registered thirty-one outbreaks in German poultry farms and 131 cases in wild birds. The culling of over half a million domestic birds is underway, with much of the activity concentrated in eastern Germany and Lower Saxony. Officials warn the early and rapid onset is driven by accelerated bird migration and unusually broad exposure among wild species, escalating the risk to agriculture and public health. According to Euronews, the risk of further large-scale spread remains high as migratory activity continues.

Second, Cambodia has reported another human case. A 14-year-old girl from Takeo province is the nation’s seventeenth confirmed human H5N1 case this year, according to Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection. This follows last week’s infection in a 3-year-old girl from Kampong Speu. Cambodian officials say recent cases stem from a reassortant H5N1 clade circulating locally and globally, often linked to close contact with sick poultry.

Third, in the United States, Idaho has reported a new backyard poultry outbreak in Canyon County, affecting ninety birds, according to the USDA. Nationally, the past month saw fifty-three confirmed outbreaks in both commercial and backyard flocks, with more than 6.3 million birds impacted. The situation in U.S. dairy herds appears stable for now, but ongoing vigilance continues.

Case numbers compared to yesterday

Europe, especially Germany, is experiencing steadily rising bird infections, though no new human cases have been reported in the region today. In Cambodia, human cases climb to seventeen this year, up one from yesterday. In the United States, no new human infections have been announced in the last 24 hours, but avian outbreak numbers continue to rise, reflecting the heightened risk from both commercial and backyard flocks.

New guidance and official statements

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute and German public health authorities reiterate that the risk to the general public remains low but urge caution. They advise the public to avoid contact with dead or sick wild birds, keep pets away, and promptly report any findings to veterinary offices. Virologist Klaus Stöhr, former head of the WHO influenza program, states that while H5N1 has the features needed to spark a pandemic, actual human cases remain uncommon. Stöhr emphasizes that “anyone who comes across dead animals should not touch them, keep their distance, keep dogs back, and inform the relevant authorities,” as quoted by German and international media on October 29.

Expert interview snippet

For expert perspective, here’s Dr. Anna Stein, infectious disease specialist: “Given how quickly H5N1 is spreading in wild and domestic birds, international coordination is crucial. Rapid surveillance and rigorous biosecurity on farms will be key to keeping both the food supply and the public safe. While risk to humans remains low, every new case is a warning to remain vigilant.”

Looking ahead

Tomorrow, authorities in Europe and the U.S. are expected to release updated figures on farm outbreaks and the status of culling operations. Health officials in Cambodia are monitoring close contacts of affected individuals and are preparing additional guidance if more human cases emerge. Expect ongoing advisories around poultry handling, continued wildlife surveillance, and possible changes in travel and trade recommendations for affected regions.

Thank you for tuning in to Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update. Come back next week for the latest. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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