H5N1 Avian Flu spreads across US, Europe

WORLD – The H5N1 avian flu virus continues to spread rapidly across the United States, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reporting more outbreaks in both commercial and backyard poultry farms. 

In the last few days, the virus has been detected in additional poultry flocks across seven states, impacting several large-scale farms. 

Ohio remains one of the hardest-hit states, with outbreaks confirmed on four more layer farms and three turkey farms.
The virus has also been found in five more poultry farms in neighboring Pennsylvania, while Missouri is grappling with two outbreaks, one at a turkey farm in Lawrence County and the other at a broiler farm in Newton County. 

Meanwhile, New York’s live bird markets have reported further infections, prompting local authorities to temporarily close markets in several areas, including Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.

APHIS has also confirmed new outbreaks in backyard poultry farms in Louisiana, Connecticut, and Washington. 

Since the virus was first detected in U.S. poultry in early 2022, it has caused the deaths of over 157.7 million birds across the country, including Puerto Rico. 

As wild birds begin their spring migration, Michigan officials are urging poultry owners to take precautionary measures to prevent further spread.

While the situation worsens in the U.S., the virus has also been spreading in dairy cattle, with California reporting five new cases, bringing the state’s total to 744. 

Across the country, there are now 962 confirmed cases of H5N1 in dairy cattle. 

The virus has also been devastating for wild bird populations, with more than 50 new confirmations in various states, including Louisiana, Oregon, and Michigan.

In an alarming development, APHIS confirmed the virus in three more domestic cats, including one from San Mateo County in California, which was euthanized after showing symptoms. 

In addition, Montana and Oregon have each reported infected cats. 

The exact source of infection remains unknown in these cases, though authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

H5N1 Outbreaks Continue in Europe
As outbreaks continue in both the U.S. and Europe, the situation is worsening in several European countries. 

While France has largely controlled the spread due to a nationwide duck vaccination program, other nations, including Italy and Poland, have reported a rise in H5N1 cases. 

Poland alone has recorded 23 outbreaks this year, impacting nearly 2 million birds.

In Bosnia-Herzegovina, the virus was detected in a flock of 88 poultry, with all but three of the birds dying. 

Authorities believe contact with wild birds likely caused the infection. 

The European Commission has registered 63 outbreaks in poultry across the continent, with the majority linked to the H5N1 strain.

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