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Surging Bird Flu Outbreak Poses Mounting Concerns Ahead of Fall Migration
The latest headlines on bird flu reveal that the United States remains in the grip of a complex outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, H5N1, with concern mounting as the fall bird migration begins. According to GISAID, cases have surged since April 2024, with seventy confirmed human infections and one death in the US so far. During the past week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported no new confirmed human infections with the avian H5 virus, and there has yet to be evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. Most recent US bird flu infections remain mild according to JAMA Network, perhaps due in part to lingering immunity from the H1N1 pandemic strain that circulated widely since 2009. Still, experts warn the virus could evolve in more dangerous directions as it continues to spread.
The situation in the US dairy sector remains especially acute. As outlined in a Journal of Dairy Science review, since its emergence in dairy cattle, H5N1 has defied control, spilling over into cows from wild birds and then circulating widely within herds. California has been hit hardest, affecting up to 75 percent of dairies in the state. Cornell University researchers estimate that flu-stricken cows produced nearly 945 kilograms less milk on average during a single outbreak period, with economic losses averaging $950 per animal. Although pasteurization has proven effective in keeping the commercial milk supply safe, disruptions in farm operations and reduced output have driven up consumer prices.
The virus’s unpredictable transmission routes – potentially through contaminated feed or water, airborne particles, or surfaces – complicate containment efforts. The US Department of Agriculture warns that avian influenza remains a risk to all poultry sectors as migratory birds begin their seasonal journey, and is calling for strict biosecurity on both backyard flocks and commercial farms. The USDA’s Defend the Flock campaign is rolling out new resources to help guide farm and bird owners.
Globally, countries in Europe and Asia are tightening prevention strategies, and researchers are racing to meet the challenge. Medical Express reports that scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have demonstrated a promising new, single-dose live attenuated vaccine in mice targeting the dominant H5N1 strain, paving the way for expanded protection as the outbreak evolves.
A new national lab proficiency testing program launches in autumn to improve the diagnostic frontlines, says Mayo Clinic’s Bobbi S. Pritt, aiming to help US laboratories quickly and reliably identify bird flu cases amidst overlapping seasonal flu symptoms.
As bird migration ramps up, vigilance and unified One Health efforts – encompassing animal, human, and environmental health – are deemed essential by experts to prevent further escalation.
Thank you for tuning in to this bird flu update. Check back next week for more breaking news and analysis. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, visit QuietPlease Dot A I.
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Published on 4 months ago