This is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I’m your host with the latest on H5N1 avian influenza in the United States as of October 18, 2025.

Let’s start with the current status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have now been a total of 70 confirmed human cases of H5N1 reported in the United States since 2022. Most have had direct exposure to infected animals on dairy farms or poultry operations, and there remains no evidence of person-to-person transmission in the US. The public health risk is considered low at this time. To date, one death linked to H5N1 has been reported in Louisiana, notably the first fatality from bird flu in the country.

Regionally, California continues to account for the largest share of cases, with 38 confirmed. There have also been clusters in Colorado, Washington, and smaller numbers in several other states across the West, Midwest, and South. Nationally, exposure continues to be strongly associated with work in or around commercial livestock or poultry.

Turning to animal outbreaks, the US Department of Agriculture reports that in just the past month, 38 new flocks have been confirmed with highly pathogenic avian influenza. That includes 24 commercial poultry farms and 14 backyard flocks, affecting over 4.4 million birds. This past week alone, major outbreaks struck large turkey operations in Minnesota, while backyard flocks in states from Montana to Arkansas and Oregon were hit. The USDA notes that cases in domestic livestock, including dairy cows, have now been seen in 18 states. This comes as bird migrations are ramping up, which can elevate wild bird detections across the Midwest and South.

Updates from health agencies show a shift in reporting. As of July, CDC bird flu updates are now bundled with routine flu data, and human monitoring numbers are updated monthly. USDA’s website remains the primary source for animal outbreak details. Official guidance remains focused on minimizing direct contact with sick poultry, wild birds, or livestock. For those working in agriculture, use of protective gear and strict biosecurity measures continue to be emphasized.

The past week has not brought new restrictions for the general public, but health authorities urge ongoing vigilance, especially for anyone involved in animal agriculture or wildlife rehabilitation. Guidance for backyard bird enthusiasts remains unchanged. According to All About Birds and USDA, there’s no current recommendation to take down bird feeders unless you keep domestic poultry at home. Songbirds are still considered at low risk for spreading H5N1.

On the research front, the CDC and USDA are closely tracking viral mutations and potential shifts in transmission patterns. While occasional spread to mammalian species such as dairy cows and wild mammals is being documented, there’s still no sign of efficient transmission between people.

Compared to previous weeks, the national situation is steady in terms of human health risk. However, new animal outbreaks have risen with seasonal bird migrations. This increase in HPAI activity is expected for fall, and animal health officials are maintaining strict containment and surveillance measures.

For listeners, this means the situation remains stable for the general public but dynamic within the agriculture sector. If you handle poultry or livestock, elevate hygiene and avoid contact with sick animals. If you encounter dead birds in the wild, avoid touching them and notify local authorities.

That wraps this week’s Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. Thank you for tuning in. Please join us again next week for the latest developments. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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