Bird Flu Intel: Facts, Not Fear, on H5N1

Welcome to the Bird Flu Intel podcast. I’m your host, and today we’re tackling some of the biggest misconceptions about H5N1 avian influenza, bringing you facts—not fear—about this global health issue. Let’s bust some myths.

Myth one: H5N1 bird flu is easily transmitted between people and could start a pandemic at any moment. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, nearly all recent human cases worldwide, including those reported in 2025, resulted from direct contact with infected birds, poultry, or animals, not from other people. There have been no confirmed cases of sustained human-to-human transmission. Public health experts stress that while scientific vigilance remains crucial, the overall risk to the general public remains low.

Myth two: H5N1 is rapidly killing huge numbers of people. While H5N1 is a deadly virus for birds and carries high mortality among infected individuals, the overall number of human cases remains extremely limited compared to seasonal flu. The World Health Organization reports that, between 2003 and January 2025, there have been 964 confirmed human cases globally and 466 deaths. In 2025, for example, only 26 human infections were reported worldwide as of August, most linked to direct animal contact.

Myth three: Drinking milk or eating eggs poses a major risk for H5N1 infection. The US Department of Agriculture and CDC have found traces of H5N1 in raw milk from infected cows, but pasteurization destroys the virus. No cases have been linked to properly cooked poultry, eggs, or pasteurized dairy products. Health agencies recommend avoiding raw milk and undercooked animal products—that’s standard advice for food safety, not just bird flu prevention.

Myth four: The virus is man-made or deliberately spread. There is no scientific evidence supporting conspiracy claims about the origin of H5N1. Virologists and epidemiologists tracking the outbreak, like those cited by the CDC and the National Academies, report the virus is evolving naturally as it circulates in wild birds, livestock, and—rarely—spills over to humans. Genetic analyses confirm that changes in the virus match patterns seen in other animal-to-human viruses, with no sign of deliberate engineering.

How does bird flu misinformation spread? Rumors and sensational headlines travel quickly on social media, especially when people are uncertain or frightened. Out-of-context reports, unverified anecdotes, and exaggerated claims get shared before credible sources can respond. When misinformation takes root, it can prompt panic behaviors, like avoiding poultry products unnecessarily or distrusting outbreak responses, making it harder for authorities to contain actual risks.

So, how can you tell what’s credible? Rely on information from the CDC, WHO, or your country’s health agencies. Look for consensus from virology experts, not viral social media posts. Check dates—outdated facts can mislead. And be wary of claims that lack clear evidence or cite unnamed “anonymous experts.”

Here’s where consensus stands today: H5N1 poses a real but low risk to the general public. Vigilance in tracking livestock and wild bird outbreaks is vital. Human cases are rare and mostly limited to those in close contact with infected animals. Health agencies globally are monitoring the virus closely, preparing for changes, and updating guidelines as new data emerges.

Science also acknowledges what’s unknown: Will the virus mutate to spread easily between people? That remains a risk scientists take seriously, and ongoing research aims to answer this. Experts are also working to better understand H5N1’s behavior in mammals such as cows, and to track any changes that could raise public health concerns.

Thanks for joining us for Bird Flu Intel: Facts,...