H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads in UK Poultry as Global Experts Monitor Sporadic Human Cases in 2025

Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update Friday, August 8, 2025 This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update, bringing you the rapid developments in avian influenza around the globe. Today is Friday, August 8, 2025. Top Stories First, the United Kingdom has reported two new confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry, one near Attleborough in Norfolk and another near Romsey in Hampshire. Both sites have triggered 3 km protection and 10 km surveillance zones, and all affected birds are being humanely culled according to DEFRA and GOV.UK. Disease control measures remain in effect as veterinary teams continue surveillance and disinfection. Second, Cambodia sees continued human cases linked to direct poultry contact. According to Cambodian health authorities, the running total since January is now 14 with eight deaths. There were no new confirmed human cases in Cambodia over the past 24 hours, though ministries continue active case finding in rural areas. The surge in cases there in June and July, as reported in Global Biodefense, underlines the risks for those involved in poultry handling. Third, the World Health Organization, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Organisation for Animal Health, released an updated risk assessment. Their bulletin on July 28 reaffirms that while sporadic infections are expected anywhere infected poultry are present, the overall global risk to the public remains low, with risk moderate for occupationally exposed groups like farmers, cullers, and veterinarians. Case Numbers Globally, no new human H5N1 cases were recorded in the past 24 hours. The year-to-date tallies show 26 confirmed human infections worldwide, 23 of which occurred outside the United States. Eight deaths occurred in Cambodia, two in India, and one in Mexico. The US has reported no new human cases since February, according to the CDC. New Guidance There are no significant changes in public health guidance today. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control maintains that widespread outbreaks in poultry, especially in backyard farms, call for strict personal protective equipment for those in direct contact with birds, rapid culling, and enhanced surveillance in affected zones. Interview We spoke with Dr. Maria Chan, an epidemiologist with the World Health Organization: “Most human H5N1 infections still result from close contact with sick or dead poultry. There’s no evidence of sustained human-to-human spread at this stage, but every case needs thorough investigation. Our advice remains vigilance and reporting all suspicious flu-like illnesses among people exposed to birds. Ongoing genetic surveillance is key.” Looking Ahead Tomorrow, experts will be monitoring any new outbreaks in domestic poultry, especially following expanded testing in UK control zones. The next global risk assessment by international agencies is scheduled for release next week, which could feature updated This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.