Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now
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Host: Good day, this is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I'm your host, bringing you the latest on the ongoing avian influenza situation in the United States. Today, we cover confirmed cases, agency updates, guidance changes, research insights, what it means for you, and a comparison to recent weeks. All facts drawn from CDC and USDA reports as of early February 2026.
First, human cases. CDC confirms 71 H5N1 infections in the US since 2024, mostly among dairy and poultry workers. Of these, 41 linked to dairy herds, 24 to poultry operations, three to other animals, and three unknown. The latest 2025 cases include a Nevada dairy worker, Ohio poultry worker, and Wyoming backyard flock owner, per CDC's February 26, 2025 spotlight. No person-to-person spread detected. One death reported in Louisiana; CDC surveillance through January 31, 2026 shows no unusual flu activity in people.
In animals, USDA reports widespread H5N1 in wild birds, with outbreaks peaking in winter. Since March 2024, 989 dairy herds in 17 states affected, plus 336 commercial poultry flocks and 207 backyard flocks totaling over 90.9 million birds. Recent detections in Pennsylvania and Colorado dairy herds noted by CIDRAP on February 5, 2026. Wild bird mortalities rising in states like New York, per Cornell Ag Informer February 2026.
Agency updates: CDC streamlined reporting July 7, 2025, now monthly via FluView; USDA handles animal data. Past week, no major CDC or USDA announcements, but monitoring continues with over 22,600 people tracked since March 2024, 1,020 tested. No changes to antivirals or vaccines from genetic analysis.
Guidance steady: Public risk low per CDC, but moderate-to-high for exposed workers. Protect by avoiding sick birds or cows, using PPE on farms, per CDC employer interim guidance January 10, 2025.
Research note: Viruses show PB2 mutations like D701N and E627K for better mammal replication, but no antiviral resistance or vaccine impacts, CDC February 26 analysis.
For listeners: Risk remains low unless handling infected animals. Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly; pasteurization kills virus in milk. Farmers: Boost biosecurity, limit wild bird contact, report sick livestock.
Compared to prior weeks: Stable since late 2025. No new human cases post-early 2025 trio; animal outbreaks persist seasonally without surge. Outbreak enters fourth year, per WVU E-News February 3, 2026, but surveillance detects no escalation.
Stay informed, stay safe.
Thank you for tuning in. Come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. For me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.
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