Avian Flu Hits 700 US Farms, 2 Human Cases in Arizona; 617 Herds Infected in California

Dec 12, 2024, 05:52 PM

An outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) is raising concerns across the United States, with over 700 farms reportedly infected and significant impacts on wildlife and livestock. In Arizona, two human cases of bird flu have been confirmed, both involving exposure to infected poultry. Health officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Meanwhile, a zoo in Arizona reported the deaths of a cheetah, a mountain lion, and a kookaburra due to the virus. In California, 617 herds have been infected, and Oklahoma has culled over 100,000 birds to contain the spread. Experts warn that the virus is mutating rapidly, posing a growing zoonotic risk. Additionally, concerns are emerging about the virus potentially affecting domestic cats, with investigations underway into cases linked to raw milk consumption. Public health officials are ramping up surveillance and urging precautions to limit exposure to infected animals and unpasteurized dairy products.