Bird Flu Spread Continues Global Surveillance Intensifies as H5N1 Cases Rise in Wild Birds and Poultry Worldwide

Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update Monday, September 15, 2025 Good afternoon, and welcome to Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update. It’s Monday, September 15, 2025, and I’m your host, bringing you the latest global bird flu developments in under three minutes. Top stories First, the United States continues to see sustained H5N1 transmission in wild birds and commercial flocks with 6 new confirmed outbreaks reported nationwide in the last 24 hours, the majority impacting poultry in midwestern states. USDA data shows a cumulative total of 3,579 known H5N1 outbreaks in birds since October 2024. Second, France’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced 7 new wild bird cases—especially among herring gulls and yellow-legged gulls along the Atlantic coastline. These cases have prompted renewed biosecurity alerts across impacted departments. Third, Cambodia has reported 2 new human H5N1 infections involving children exposed to sick poultry in rural areas. Both remain hospitalized. Cambodian officials report no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, but emphasize continued surveillance. Change in Case Numbers Across the globe, there have been 2 additional human H5N1 cases since yesterday, making the worldwide total 70 confirmed and probable cases for 2025 so far, according to the US CDC. Most recent US animal outbreaks have increased weekly averages, and in Europe, wild bird cases are trending up sharply heading into the autumn migration season. In Asia, new cases in Cambodia and Vietnam have brought regional totals up, but no major urban outbreaks have been detected. Latest Guidance and Statements The World Health Organization today reiterated that “the risk to the general public remains low,” but urges individuals working closely with poultry to follow updated PPE guidelines and hygiene protocols. The FAO now recommends stricter transport restrictions for live poultry and enhanced reporting requirements for wild bird die-offs to contain spread during migration peaks. Brief Interview: Expert Insight Joining us is Dr. Maya Chen, epidemiologist with the CDC’s Influenza Division. Dr. Chen, what should people watch for right now? “Thanks for having me. What matters most is rapid reporting. Anyone working on poultry or dairy farms should monitor livestock and wild bird deaths closely. Early detection in animals is our best defense against spillover into humans. And for families, avoid contact with sick or dead birds, and prioritize hand hygiene.” Looking Ahead Authorities worldwide expect a surge in wild bird cases as seasonal migrations accelerate. In North America and Europe, new guidance on surveillance of dairy cattle is anticipated, addressing emerging findings about cross-species infection. Asian health ministries may announce expanded rural testing and vaccination campaigns as cases rise in Cambodia and Vietnam. Tune in tomorrow for updates on evolving outbreak patterns, new control measures, and expert interviews. Thank you f This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.