Avian Flu Outbreak Intensifies Across North America: Latest Developments and Precautions

# Bird Flu Update

Highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to spread across North America as winter migration patterns intensify the risk for both wild and domestic bird populations. According to the Cornell Ag Informer, HPAI infections are expected to increase over the winter months, with wild bird mortalities peaking during this season across the United States and Canada.

In the most recent developments, Michigan reported its first domestic flock detection of 2026 on January 28th in Ottawa County, marking the state's 16th case in that county since the virus was first identified there in 2022. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development emphasizes that while cold temperatures persist, the virus continues circulating in wild birds, posing significant risk to poultry operations statewide.

Colorado also declared a disaster emergency this week after a presumptive positive test was confirmed at an egg-laying facility in Weld County north of Denver. The facility houses 1.3 million chickens and reported elevated mortality rates, though the exact number of infected birds remains unclear.

New York State continues monitoring the situation closely, with the state Department of Agriculture reporting 69 suspected wild bird mortalities in November and December 2025 across ten counties. Cornell's Wildlife Health Lab reports that HPAI has now been confirmed in multiple wild mammal species throughout New York, including red fox, raccoons, and bobcats, in addition to dairy cattle infections documented in other states.

Since the outbreak began in February 2022, the virus has killed over 187 million birds across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has documented 71 human cases with two deaths since 2024, though health officials continue to stress that widespread human infection remains unlikely.

Experts emphasize that strong biosecurity practices remain the primary defense against spread. Farmers should restrict visitor access, disinfect footwear and equipment between areas, and prevent contact between domestic and wild birds. Pasteurized milk remains safe to consume, as pasteurization kills the virus.

Researchers at West Virginia University are developing new vaccine approaches, including an edible vaccine, after receiving a two-million-dollar grant. However, current poultry vaccination remains impractical due to flock sizes and international trade concerns.

Thank you for tuning in to this update. Come back next week for more developments on this ongoing situation. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more information, check out Quiet Please dot A I.

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