Watchful Vigilance: US Officials Monitor Avian Flu Threat as Virus Circulates Globally

U.S. health officials say the overall risk to the public from bird flu remains low, but surveillance is tightening as the virus continues to circulate in birds and some mammals worldwide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, as of its latest weekly update for early December, no sustained person to person transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in the United States. CDC says current human infections linked to birds or animals remain rare, sporadic, and closely monitored.

In Washington State, Grant County health officials announced Friday that their recent avian influenza outbreak in a commercial poultry operation has officially been declared over. According to the Grant County Health District, no human cases were identified among workers or contacts at that site, and all response activities have been completed. The agency stressed that while the risk to humans remains low, people who work with poultry or other potentially infected animals should continue using protective gear and follow biosecurity guidelines.

Nationally, detections of bird flu in wild birds and backyard or commercial flocks continue to be reported during the fall migration period, and federal and state agriculture departments are culling affected flocks, restricting movement, and expanding testing to limit spread. Public health agencies are also watching dairy cattle, after previous detections of avian influenza virus in raw milk from infected herds, although pasteurized milk remains safe to drink according to U.S. food safety authorities.

Globally, the virus is still taking a toll on wild birds and poultry. The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy reports suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza behind large die offs of wild geese and other birds in parts of Canada, including southern Manitoba, and in locations as far away as Hawaii. These events underscore concerns among scientists that the virus is now entrenched in wild bird populations, raising the risk of repeated spillovers into domestic flocks and occasional mammal infections.

Health experts continue to advise avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, not handling raw milk from ill animals, and reporting unusual die offs to local authorities. Officials emphasize that people who develop flu like symptoms after close contact with infected birds or mammals should seek medical care and mention that exposure.

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