H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads Across US Herds and UK Poultry Farms, Human Cases Remain Stable at 70

Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update Friday, November 7, 2025 Good evening. This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update, where we bring you the latest on the ongoing global avian influenza situation. It’s Friday, November 7, 2025. Top Stories First, in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the human case count remains steady at 70 confirmed H5N1 infections. There have been no new cases since yesterday, but the CDC highlights ongoing animal health challenges. One newly infected cattle herd has been identified in Arizona, bringing the national total to 1,074 affected herds across 17 states, with commercial and backyard poultry flocks also impacted in Pennsylvania over the past month according to CDC and USDA updates. Second, in the United Kingdom, the government has confirmed two new H5N1 cases in commercial poultry—one near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, and one near Preesall, Lancashire. All birds on these premises are being humanely culled and protection zones have been set up to manage spread. This brings the current UK season tally to 23 cases in England, four in Wales, and one in Northern Ireland—28 in total for the UK, as reported by the UK government as of today. Third, surveillance of wild birds remains heightened across North America. According to the MSK Library report, more than 13,000 wild birds have tested positive for H5N1, and over 169 million domestic poultry have been affected in the U.S. since the current outbreak cycle began, making this one of the most widespread animal health emergencies in decades. Case Numbers: Change Compared to Yesterday The U.S. confirmed human case count is unchanged today, remaining at 70. In the UK, two new poultry outbreaks have been confirmed in the last 24 hours. The total number of affected cattle herds in the U.S. is up by one compared to yesterday. The case trajectory continues to be largely driven by animal outbreak clusters, with human cases appearing sporadic and mostly linked to direct animal exposure. New Guidance and Health Authority Statements The CDC continues to emphasize that, while transmission to humans remains rare, people working closely with poultry or dairy cattle must maintain strict hygiene and follow recommended protective measures. Recent CDC summaries reiterate that the *immediate risk to the general public remains low*, but vigilance is essential. UK health authorities have reinforced biosecurity requirements for all poultry premises within designated protection zones and urge producers to report sick or dead birds promptly. Expert Interview Snippet Dr. Amanda Bright, infectious disease researcher, shares her perspective: “We are seeing a worrisome degree of animal-to-animal transmission, especially in cattle, but human cases remain mostly mild with no confirmed sustained human-to-human transmission. The recent detection of H5N1 in wild mammals and continued positive results from raw milk highlight potential risks and the nee This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.