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Vigilance Needed as Bird Flu Persists: Monitoring Lull, Preparing for Potential Resurgence
Bird flu remains a top public health concern in the United States and globally as officials monitor a summer lull in reported cases but prepare for a potential resurgence this fall. The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to circulate in U.S. dairy cows, commercial poultry, and wild birds. Since its first detection in U.S. dairy cattle in March 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 70 human cases, most among dairy and poultry workers, with symptoms typically mild but with concern about possible virus adaptation.
A recent CDC update notes only two new dairy herd infections—one each in California and Arizona—and a single commercial poultry outbreak in Pennsylvania over the last month. Scientists attribute the decline to seasonal factors, but many caution that cases could surge in the fall as migratory birds return in larger numbers. Maurice Pitesky from UC Davis highlights that California’s waterfowl population, considered a primary virus reservoir, is expected to swell from 60,000 to 6 million by late fall, increasing risk of further transmission.
Transmission between cattle remains under investigation. New research reports contamination from house flies and a phenomenon known as "milk snatching," where cows and calves transmit the virus from mouth to teat, may be responsible for viral spread. Viral RNA has been detected at high levels in raw milk, prompting ongoing calls for biosecurity and monitoring of farm workers. USDA data reveal that the virus has affected 17 states, and that strains found in cows are closely related to those in farm workers, pigs, cats, and wildlife.
Authorities emphasize the need for surveillance and communication among farm communities, especially since many farm workers are immigrants who may hesitate to cooperate with health officials. Infectious disease specialists warn that immigration crackdowns could complicate future outbreak containment.
Globally, the World Health Organization reports a new fatal H5N1 human infection in Cambodia within the last week, with over 474 cases in the Western Pacific Region since 2003. Meanwhile, European officials are seeing an uptick in wild bird outbreaks.
For now, vaccine research for animals continues in the U.S., with poultry vaccines approved and cattle trials underway, but no vaccines for humans. Health officials urge anyone exposed to infected animals to monitor for symptoms and seek testing if needed.
Thank you for tuning in for the latest bird flu developments. Be sure to come back next week for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production—for more, check out QuietPlease.AI.
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Published on 5 months, 1 week ago