US Poultry Farms Hit Hard by Avian Flu Outbreak, Raising Concerns about Pandemic Risk

A second human bird flu case has been confirmed on a Queen Annes County farm in Maryland, according to Phys.org, bringing the US total to 71 confirmed human infections, including two deaths. The most recent US death involved an H5N5 strain in a person with underlying conditions and bird contact, while the Maryland farm tested positive on December 19 and was immediately quarantined by state veterinarians.

In Iowa, Canada geese at Green Valley Lake and Lake of Three Fires tested positive for H5 avian influenza on December 18, the Iowa DNR reports, marking new wildlife outbreaks in the states southwest region amid reports of mass mortality events.

Globally, the FAO logs 1738 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in animals across 41 countries since October 23, with the US reporting 689 events affecting wild birds, mammals like house mice and skunks, and poultry. Recent detections include H5N1 in birds in Hungary and Italy as of December 22, per Hong Kongs Centre for Health Protection.

US impacts remain severe, with over 180 million poultry infected and more than 1000 dairy farms hit, driving up egg prices and costing the government over 1.19 billion dollars in reimbursements, Science Focus notes. Human cases stay mostly mild but scientists warn of pandemic risk in 2026 if the virus evolves further.

Senator Jack Reed urges hearings and a national strategy, criticizing delays in vaccination programs for poultry amid the viruss spread to mammals like cows and bears.

No new human cases reported in the last 24 hours, but experts stress low general public risk while cautioning farm and backyard bird handlers.

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