Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now
This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now, your trusted source for the latest facts on avian influenza in the United States. It’s Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Here’s what’s making headlines in the bird flu outbreak today.
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms the national total of human H5N1 infections has reached 70 since April 2024. Most cases, 41 in total, resulted from exposure to sick dairy cows, with 24 linked to poultry farms and culling operations. Of note, California leads with 38 human cases, much higher than other states, and Louisiana previously reported the first H5 bird flu death in the US. No evidence of person-to-person spread has been found. The CDC continues to assess the immediate risk to the general public as low, though those exposed to infected animals face moderate to high risk.
On the animal side, the US Department of Agriculture this week confirmed new bird flu detections in several regions. According to the latest USDA data, H5N1 outbreaks continue to impact poultry flocks—most recently in commercial operations in Arizona, New Jersey, and South Dakota. As of October 2, 2025, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture confirmed a new infected flock in Jefferson County, with similar reports from Oregon, where a backyard flock tested positive in Wallowa County earlier this month. Wild birds remain a significant source, with over 13,000 infected detected this year, affecting over 169 million poultry across 51 jurisdictions, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering’s outbreak tracker.
The dairy industry continues to grapple with H5N1 in cattle. APHIS notes the virus has been confirmed in nearly a thousand dairy herds across 17 states since March, though it is not causing large-scale cattle deaths as seen in poultry. A key containment measure enforced this month is strict milk testing protocols: all lactating dairy cows moving across state lines must test negative for influenza A at approved labs within seven days of movement. The USDA continues to offer free testing and reimbursement for producers shipping samples, aiming for early detection and prevention.
Recent research highlights a new concern: infectious bird flu virus persists in raw milk cheese products, as reported by Cornell University on October 8. This finding renews calls for caution among consumers, particularly those purchasing unpasteurized dairy, since the risk of transmission remains under investigation.
For US listeners, here are the practical takeaways. The CDC and USDA advise avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and mammals, especially in affected areas. Farmers and producers are urged to follow enhanced biosecurity protocols, report sick animals, and stay updated on testing requirements. For the general public, the risk remains very low, but hand hygiene, cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly, and avoiding raw milk products—especially during outbreaks—are sensible precautions.
How does this week compare to previous weeks? There’s a steady increase in new animal cases, especially in migratory seasons, but human infections have not spiked. Official containment strategies, such as the expanded milk testing rule, reflect continued vigilance. Research into food safety and virus persistence is accelerating, with new findings shaping future guidance.
Thanks for tuning in to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. We’ll be back next week with more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, visit QuietPlease Dot A I.
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