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H5N1 Bird Flu Continues Spreading Globally with Low Human Risk According to Latest CDC and WHO Updates
This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update for Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Here are today’s top stories.
First, the global situation. The World Health Organization’s latest avian influenza update indicates that H5N1 remains widely distributed in wild birds and poultry, with ongoing detections in multiple regions but no sustained human-to-human transmission. WHO reiterates that the overall risk to the general public is currently assessed as low, while risk to people with direct contact with infected animals remains higher.
Second, new outbreaks in animals. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports that since late September, nearly one thousand new high-pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks have been officially recorded in 38 countries, most caused by H5N1 and related H5 viruses. FAO notes continued spread in wild birds and commercial poultry, with sporadic spillover into mammals, underscoring the need for strict farm biosecurity and rapid reporting of sick or dead birds.
Third, human infections and surveillance. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that since early 2024 there have been just over 70 confirmed human H5N1 infections in the United States, largely among dairy and poultry workers, with most cases mild and only a small number of hospitalizations and deaths. Globally, WHO and partner agencies continue to log small numbers of new human cases, often linked to close, unprotected contact with sick or dead birds or contaminated environments.
Compared with yesterday, there have been no major jumps in confirmed human case numbers reported by WHO or CDC, and no change in the overall risk assessment. Several countries have, however, reported incremental increases in animal outbreaks to FAO and national agriculture ministries over the last 24 hours.
Turning to official guidance. CDC continues to advise people who work with poultry, wild birds, or infected dairy herds to use personal protective equipment, avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, and seek testing if they develop eye irritation or respiratory symptoms after exposure. WHO and FAO are again urging early reporting of unexplained die-offs in birds and marine mammals, and they emphasize that properly handled and cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.
Now, a brief interview snippet.
Joining us is Dr. Fatimah Dawood, an influenza epidemiologist with CDC.
Question: What is the single most important message for the public today?
Dr. Dawood: “The key point is that H5N1 is still primarily an animal health problem, but it is an evolving virus. People who do not work with birds or infected animals face low risk right now, but we want everyone to stay informed, follow local guidance, and get seasonal flu vaccination to reduce the chances of co-infection that could help the virus adapt.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow.
Health agencies expect continued reports of scattered poultry and wild bird outbreaks, particularly along migratory flyways. WHO and CDC are watching closely for any unusual clusters of severe respiratory illness or unexplained pneumonia that could hint at limited person-to-person spread. Researchers supported by groups such as CEPI are also moving several candidate H5N1 vaccines and updated antivirals through early development, and more detailed data on these efforts are expected in upcoming technical briefings next week.
That’s it for today’s Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update.
Thank you for tuning in, and come back next week for more.
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