Avian Flu Outbreak Surges in US Poultry: Pennsylvania Hit Hard With 7 Million Birds Affected

Avian flu outbreaks are intensifying in US poultry operations, with Pennsylvania emerging as the epicenter, affecting over 7 million birds in 11 commercial flocks since early February, according to USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reports. Farm Progress notes this surge threatens to reverse recent declines in egg prices, while CIDRAP details massive losses in Lancaster County, including 2.6 million egg-layer birds at one site and nearly 30,000 turkeys at others, part of 8.97 million birds nationwide impacted in the past 30 days.

Human cases remain low risk, with the CDC reporting 71 confirmed or probable A(H5N1) infections since 2024, mostly among dairy and poultry workers in California (38 cases) and Washington (12 cases). No new cases or person-to-person spread detected in the latest FluView report ending February 14, though Louisiana recorded the first US bird flu death. CDC surveillance of over 22,600 exposed individuals has identified 64 cases.

In research news today, University of Missouri's KBIA reports Dr. Wenjun Ma secured a $1.9 million USDA grant to develop vaccines distinguishing infected from vaccinated chickens, aiming to curb outbreaks, protect trade, and limit human spillover risks.

Elsewhere, wild bird cases are rising in New Jersey per Duke Farms and NJDEP monitoring, while San Juan County, Washington, confirmed avian flu in two red foxes on February 20, with no human links.

Globally, A(H5) remains widespread in wild birds, hitting US dairy cows too, but public health officials stress vigilance without alarm.

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