Welcome to Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I'm your host, bringing you the latest developments on avian influenza spreading across the United States.
As of this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 70 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States, including the nation's first death from the virus reported in Louisiana. The majority of these cases, 41 in total, are linked to exposure to infected dairy cattle, while 24 cases stem from contact with poultry farms and culling operations. Three cases remain under investigation with no identified exposure source.
California continues to be the hardest hit state with 38 confirmed human cases, primarily among dairy workers exposed to infected cattle. Washington state follows with 11 cases, all connected to poultry operations, and Colorado reports 10 cases split between dairy and poultry exposures.
On the animal health front, the outbreak shows no signs of slowing. The US Department of Agriculture confirms that 989 dairy herds across 17 states have tested positive for H5N1 since March 2024. California has seen explosive growth in affected herds. The USDA also reports detections in 336 commercial flocks and 207 backyard flocks, impacting more than 90 million birds nationwide.
The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that as of July 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in domestic livestock across 18 states, with wild birds continuing to spread the virus during their seasonal migrations.
Comparing this to earlier reports from October 2024, the situation has escalated dramatically. Back then, only 299 dairy herds in 14 states were affected, and human cases totaled just 20. The current numbers represent more than a threefold increase in affected dairy operations and a significant jump in human infections.
Despite these rising numbers, the CDC maintains that the current public health risk to the general population remains low. There has been no confirmed person-to-person transmission. However, the agency classifies the risk to people working directly with potentially infected animals as moderate to high.
More than 5,000 individuals have been monitored following exposure to infected or potentially infected animals. Public health laboratories have tested over 53,000 specimens that would detect avian influenza since February 2024.
The CDC has streamlined its reporting approach as of July 2025, now including H5N1 updates with routine influenza data. Monthly reports will track the number of people monitored and tested for bird flu, reflecting the current public health situation.
For most Americans, the immediate implications remain minimal. The virus continues to pose the greatest threat to agricultural workers in direct contact with infected dairy cattle or poultry. Those working in these industries should follow proper protective equipment protocols and report any flu-like symptoms immediately to health authorities.
Wild bird populations remain a key concern as migration patterns contribute to spreading the virus across states. The outbreak's trajectory suggests continued vigilance is necessary, particularly in regions with significant dairy and poultry operations.
Thank you for tuning in to this week's Bird Flu Update. We'll continue monitoring this evolving situation and bring you the latest developments next week. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more information, visit Quiet Please dot AI. Stay informed and stay safe.
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