Avian Flu Escalates in Poultry, Affects Cats and Cattle

Multiple States Report New H5N1 Outbreaks in Various Species

The H5N1 avian flu outbreak in the United States shows no signs of slowing down, with the latest reports confirming the virus in commercial and backyard poultry across seven states.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has also noted the virus's presence in domestic cats and even dairy cattle, showcasing the disease's broad reach.

Significant outbreaks have been reported in Ohio and Pennsylvania, impacting multiple commercial poultry farms. The spread to Missouri, New York, Louisiana, Washington, and Connecticut further highlights the nationwide challenge.

With over 157.7 million birds affected since early 2022, the virus has caused unprecedented disruptions in poultry production.

The situation has prompted concerns beyond birds, with new cases of H5N1 found in domestic cats across three states and a notable presence in dairy cattle in California. This cross-species transmission underlines the complex nature of the disease and the challenges in containing it.

The impact on wildlife is also severe, with more than 50 new confirmations in wild birds, affecting species like gulls, geese, ducks, and birds of prey across multiple states. Such widespread incidents underscore the virus's resilience and its capacity to influence both domestic and wild animal health.

State and federal authorities continue to urge poultry owners to implement stringent biosecurity measures, especially with the upcoming spring migration of wild birds. These preventive efforts are critical to protecting domestic flocks from further outbreaks and minimizing economic losses.

As the virus persists, the agricultural sector remains on high alert, with continuous monitoring and rapid response measures essential to manage the ongoing crisis and mitigate its effects on U.S. agriculture and wildlife.