State agricultural department reports and CDC updates

H5N1 Bird Flu Cases Rise to 66 in U.S. Amid Concerns Over 901 Infected Herds and Cat Deaths

Dec 27, 2024, 08:30 PM

The spread of H5N1 avian influenza in the United States has raised concerns among health officials, particularly following the detection of the virus in backyard flocks in New England and Vermont. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a total of 66 human cases of bird flu in the U.S. as of late December 2024, with warnings issued regarding potential risks to pets, especially cats, after several feline deaths linked to contaminated raw pet food. California has reported a total of 685 infected dairy herds, contributing to a cumulative national total of 901 herds across 16 states. Experts caution that mutations in the virus could increase its transmissibility to humans, although the CDC maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. The situation has prompted discussions about the potential for a broader outbreak, with health authorities emphasizing the importance of monitoring and preventive measures.