H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads in UK Poultry Flocks While US Human Cases Remain Steady in 2025 Outbreak

This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update, Friday, November 14, 2025. Top stories: First, in the United Kingdom, two new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 were confirmed yesterday. According to the UK government, cases were detected in a large commercial flock near Poringland, South Norfolk, and a backyard flock near Gosforth, Cumbria. Protection and surveillance zones of 3 and 10 kilometers have been established around both affected sites, and all birds at the premises are being culled as part of containment efforts. Second, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that human H5N1 case numbers remain steady, with no new cases confirmed since last month. The CDC maintains that the current public health risk remains low, with a cumulative total of 70 human infections and one recorded death in the United States since the outbreak began in 2024. Most human cases have involved mild illness, primarily linked to exposure to infected dairy herds or poultry operations, and there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission at this time. Third, the World Health Organization emphasizes ongoing global surveillance as H5N1 continues to spill over into new animal populations. According to research published in JAMA Network Open, evidence is mounting that mild or asymptomatic human infections may be more common than previously recognized. Experts note the need for expanded testing protocols beyond just those showing symptoms, especially in areas with ongoing outbreaks among animals. Case numbers compared to yesterday: UK authorities now report a total of 40 confirmed H5N1 outbreaks in poultry across the country to date, up two from yesterday’s count. Human infection numbers globally and in the United States remain unchanged, but health experts stress that silent, mild infections could be underreported. Health authority guidance: New official guidance in England continues to require mandatory housing of poultry in designated zones to prevent the spread of avian flu. The CDC in the US continues to recommend that people avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and contaminated dairy or raw meat. The agency is also working with state health departments on expanded monitoring for both animal and human exposures. Interview Snippet: We spoke earlier with Dr. Lisa Ortiz, an animal disease specialist: “With H5N1 now entrenched in both wild birds and livestock, strict biosecurity practices on farms remain the frontline defense. People who work with animals should use protective equipment and promptly report any signs of illness in flocks or herds. Continued coordination between animal and human health sectors is critical as we track the virus’s evolution.” Looking ahead: Tomorrow, national veterinary authorities in the UK are expected to release new risk assessments for certain disease control zones, which could affect movement restrictions for poultry farms. In the United States, public health agencies will conti This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.