H5N1 Bird Flu Continues Widespread in Wild Birds and Cattle Across US with Low Human Transmission Risk

Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update Saturday, November 15, 2025 Good afternoon, it’s Saturday, November 15th, 2025, and you’re listening to Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update, your concise source for what matters most in the ongoing bird flu situation. Top stories First, officials continue to monitor avian influenza, with the CDC reporting that H5N1 remains widespread in wild birds and sporadically detected in poultry and dairy cattle across the United States. While human cases remain rare, surveillance persists given the virus’s potential for pandemic spread. Second, in the last 24 hours, the USDA confirmed additional HPAI detections in wild birds in Utah and surrounding regions. This expands a long chain of positive identification among migratory waterfowl, underscoring wild birds’ pivotal role in driving outbreaks into agricultural zones, as highlighted by a new report in News Medical. Third, health authorities stress that recent detections in animals did not result in new human cases. The CDC, via its most recent surveillance summary, notes no increase in confirmed human infections nationwide since February. The cumulative total stands at 71 cases since 2024, with one reported death in Louisiana and no fresh fatalities. Case numbers and trends Today’s national case count for confirmed or probable human H5N1 infection remains steady at 71, matching yesterday’s figures. While geographic monitoring continues, California leads with 38 cases, most linked to dairy herd exposures. Washington holds at 12, related mainly to poultry. Across the United States, the majority of infections have connections to commercial agriculture, with farm workers remaining the most at-risk group. The CDC and local health agencies, however, caution that public testing accessibility is limited. According to the Center for Health Security, some mild or asymptomatic cases may go undetected, especially among marginalized farm laborers. Enhanced subtyping by hospitals and targeted wastewater surveillance are ongoing to catch undiagnosed spread. New guidance and expert statements The CDC reiterates its current risk assessment: the public health threat is considered low, but vigilance is essential. USDA and CDC continue to recommend personal protective equipment for farm workers, strict biosecurity in poultry and dairy operations, and avoidance of contact with sick or dead wild birds. Today, we hear briefly from Dr. Maria Hayes, a virologist with the US Center for Health Security: “While human-to-human transmission of H5N1 remains extremely rare, continued exposure among wildlife, poultry, and cattle workers poses ongoing concern. Bulk milk testing and rapid reporting from farms are critical for maintaining the early warning system.” Looking ahead Tomorrow, expect updates from both the CDC and USDA, including new surveillance data as agencies process samples collected this week from poultry and dairy herds. Officials will also share wild bird migration fore This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.