H5N1 Bird Flu Persists in Wild Birds with Low Human Risk, CDC Reports Stable Situation in US

This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update for Friday, December 12, 2025. Top stories: First, U.S. human case numbers remain unchanged in the last 24 hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 71 confirmed human H5 infections in the United States since early 2024, with no new cases added since November and no sustained human-to-human transmission detected. CDC continues to classify the overall public health risk as low. Second, Hawaii is investigating a third possible case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a wild bird. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says preliminary testing found influenza A in an endangered native duck on Kauaʻi, with confirmatory testing and subtype identification, including whether it is H5N1, pending at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories. State officials emphasize that human risk in Hawaii remains low and no changes to outdoor activities are recommended. Third, detections in wild birds continue across the continental United States. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses are still being found in wild birds in several states, indicating that the virus remains entrenched in wild reservoirs even as poultry outbreaks fluctuate. Case numbers: Globally, World Health Organization data compiled by the WHO Global Influenza Programme and Our World in Data show no significant jump in confirmed human H5N1 cases in the last month, with only sporadic infections reported worldwide. In the United States, CDC surveillance data indicate more than 30,000 people have been monitored and over 1,200 tested for novel influenza A after exposure to infected animals during the current outbreak period, with no evidence of wider spread in communities. New guidance: CDC continues to advise that people who work with or around poultry, wild birds, or infected dairy cattle should use appropriate personal protective equipment, avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, and report respiratory or eye symptoms within 10 days of exposure. The agency reiterates that seasonal flu vaccines do not protect against H5N1; prevention relies on avoiding exposure and following farm and wildlife biosecurity measures. Brief interview: Joining us now is Dr. Elena Ruiz, an infectious disease epidemiologist. Q: Dr. Ruiz, what is the key takeaway from today’s data? A: The main point is that H5 viruses remain widespread in birds, but human infections are still rare and mostly linked to direct animal exposure. Surveillance systems are active and, at this stage, we are not seeing signs of efficient human-to-human transmission. People should stay informed, follow local guidance, and avoid close contact with sick or dead birds. Looking ahead: Tomorrow, we expect updated field reports from state agriculture and wildlife agencies on new detections in wild and domestic birds, further laboratory results from Hawaii on the Kauaʻi duck sample, and routine