Surging Bird Flu Outbreaks Across the US: Implications for Public Health and Animal Welfare

New cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, were confirmed in the United States this week, marking a continued surge of the virus among both wild and domestic animals. The US Department of Agriculture has reported new H5N1 outbreaks in backyard poultry flocks in Montana and North Carolina, adding to a growing list that includes 27 flocks affected nationwide—19 commercial and 8 backyard—over the past month. More than 3.8 million birds have been impacted in this wave, with most activity centered in the Midwest, but incidents span the country.

Notably, the H5N1 strain is not just affecting birds. The USDA has confirmed three additional cases in mammals, including a domestic cat in Los Angeles and small wild rodents in North Dakota. The cat case echoes a concerning trend seen earlier this year, when pets contracted the virus after consuming raw pet food. This underscores the expanding host range of bird flu, which experts from the US Department of Homeland Security say is now affecting livestock, wildlife, and occasionally people.

As of the latest data, the United States has experienced 70 confirmed human H5N1 infections between March 2024 and July 2025, with one fatality involving an older adult with health complications, as verified by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and CDC reporting. Nearly all human cases were linked to contact with infected animals—especially dairy cattle and poultry. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize that no sustained human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has been observed thus far.

Globally, the spread of the virus shows no signs of abating. According to the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection, countries including the United Kingdom, Cambodia, Mexico, Australia, and Bulgaria have reported new animal or human cases over the last week. The World Health Organization has highlighted recent genetic monitoring for mutations that could make the virus more adapted to humans, and calls for increased biosurveillance and rapid response planning.

The US government continues to urge farmers and the public to maintain strict hygiene and report any unusual bird deaths or animal illnesses promptly. Disinfection protocols are especially vital in farms and processing facilities, as the virus can persist on surfaces and in water for extended periods.

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