Bird Flu H5N1 Update UK Poultry Outbreak Confirmed Near York as Global Surveillance Continues Closely

Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update, your three-minute briefing on the global bird flu situation. Top stories: First, in the United Kingdom, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reports that highly pathogenic H5N1 has been confirmed today in a large commercial poultry flock near York in North Yorkshire. A 3‑kilometer protection zone and 10‑kilometer surveillance zone are now in place, and all birds on the farm will be culled to prevent further spread, according to the UK government’s animal disease incident report. Second, in North America, the Pan American Health Organization says H5N1 continues to circulate widely in birds and some mammals across the Americas. Since 2022, 75 human H5N1 infections and two deaths have been reported in the region, with three human H5N1 cases and one H5N2 case in 2025, all linked to exposure to infected animals. PAHO stresses that the predominant clade 2.3.4.4b is still driving outbreaks in domestic and wild birds, particularly in the United States and Canada. Third, in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization confirm that no new human H5 infections have been reported in the last several days after a November case of H5N5, the first human infection with that subtype worldwide. WHO notes that this was the 71st confirmed human H5 case in the U.S. since early 2024, and to date there is still no evidence of sustained person‑to‑person transmission. Case numbers compared to yesterday: Global confirmed human H5 infections remain stable, with no newly confirmed cases reported in the last 24 hours by WHO, CDC, or PAHO. Animal outbreaks, however, continue to rise modestly, highlighted by today’s poultry confirmation near York and ongoing detections in wild birds reported by U.S. agriculture authorities. Overall public health risk to the general population is still assessed as low, but occupational risk for people working with poultry, dairy cattle, and wildlife remains elevated. New guidance and official statements: CDC reiterates that pasteurized milk and properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to consume, and it continues to advise workers on farms, in culling operations, and in wildlife rescue to use eye protection, fit‑tested respirators or masks, gloves, and protective clothing. PAHO again urges countries to strengthen surveillance in animals and humans, quickly report any unusual respiratory clusters, and ensure health workers know how to recognize and test suspected zoonotic flu cases. Now a brief interview snippet. Host: “Joining us is Dr. Elena Ruiz, a veterinary virologist who advises on avian influenza control. Dr. Ruiz, what is the key takeaway from today’s developments?” Dr. Ruiz: “The York outbreak shows that H5N1 is still highly capable of igniting new poultry clusters, even as human cases stay rare. The priorit This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.