(The Center Square) − The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies are closely monitoring the spread of the HN51 avian influenza, commonly known as the bird flu, nationwide after human cases increased to at least 66.
Although health officials continue to ensure that the immediate risk to the public remains low, the outbreak, which started in February 2022, is now raising concerns about the virus’ potential to mutate and spread, potentially becoming a more severe threat.
According to the CDC, 66 reported human cases are in the United States, as over 10,600 people have been monitored after exposure to infected animals, which resulted in more than 540 people being tested.
In December 2024, the CDC confirmed the first severe human case of the bird flu in the U.S., involving a patient from Louisiana who had been exposed to infected backyard poultry.
In a recent interview with CBS’ Face the Nation, Dr. Leana Wen, former Baltimore health commissioner, said that the newest report of mutation within the virus from a patient in Louisiana was “one more sign that the drumbeat of bird flu coming closer to humans is becoming a major threat.”
Wen continued, “Now, we have 66 cases of bird flu in humans, and this is almost certainly a significant undercount because we have not been doing nearly enough testing.”
The CDC says no person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected and is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5 bird flu activity in people.
Since March 2024, 901 dairy herds across 16 states have tested positive.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service previously announced the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy. The USDA also issued a federal order requiring that raw or unpasteurized milk samples nationwide be collected and shared with USDA for testing.
Since January 2022, 127,640,612 poultry have been affected across 50 states, and outbreaks have mainly occurred in poultry and U.S. dairy cows.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as the virus rampages through dairy cattle, which remains the most affected to date. Other cases have been confirmed in Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.
The bird flu spreads easily among birds through respiratory secretions, manure, and contaminated equipment or clothing. Officials urge all poultry owners, from backyard hobbyists to large-scale producers, to tighten measures.
The recommended steps include limiting farm visitors, disinfecting equipment, keeping flocks away from wild birds, and avoiding exposure whenever possible.
