As of 2025, the H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and has caused outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows.There have been several recent human cases among U.S. dairy and poultry workers, but the current public health risk is considered low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation and working with states to track people with animal exposures [1[1[1[1].
The virus has been reported in all 50 U.S. states, affecting wild birds, poultry, and dairy cattle. The outbreak has been ongoing as 2022 and has significantly impacted these populations [2[2[2[2].
Recent concerns have been sparked by an avian influenza outbreak among California dairy cows and the first known severe human case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. these developments have renewed public interest in the disease and its potential impacts [3[3[3[3].
in Ireland, the Department of Agriculture has advised poultry and bird keepers to take strict precautions. This includes avoiding contact with wild fowl, being vigilant about unusual bird mortality, and registering backyard flocks with the Department of Agriculture. While the disease has been found in a small number of captive birds, it has not yet spread to commercial units.
Bird Flu Update: Exploring the latest Outbreaks and Precautions
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As of 2025, the H5 bird flu has become widespread in wild birds across the globe, leading to outbreaks in various poultry and livestock, including dairy cows in the U.S.Recent human cases among workers have increased public and agricultural concern. The Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) is meticulously monitoring the situation. Ireland has taken proactive measures by advising poultry keepers on necessary precautions to mitigate the spread of the disease.
Q&A with Dr. Emily Harris
Senior Editor of World-Today-news.com: Today we are joined by Dr. Emily Harris, an esteemed virologist and expert on bird flu, to discuss the latest developments and precautions in the context of the ongoing global avian influenza outbreaks.
/global spread of bird flu
Editor: Dr. harris, could you provide an overview of the current global situation regarding the H5 bird flu?
Dr. Emily Harris: Currently, the H5 bird flu is widespread in wild bird populations globally. Its presence is notably affecting both commercial and backyard poultry enterprises. Along with poultry outbreaks, dairy cows have also been impacted, primarily in the U.S.
Human cases
Editor: We have seen recent human cases among workers. How significant is the threat to public health?
Dr. Emily Harris: The number of human cases is still relatively low, occurring primarily among dairy and poultry workers.The public health risk is considered low, but continuous monitoring and surveillance are crucial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is vigilantly tracking these cases to ensure any potential public health dangers are quickly addressed.
Outbreaks in Ireland
Editor: Ireland has seen some bird flu cases in captive birds, but not in commercial units. What’s Ireland doing to manage this situation?
Dr. Emily Harris: The Department of Agriculture in Ireland has taken proactive measures, advising poultry and bird keepers to follow strict precautions. This includes avoiding contact with wild birds, monitoring for unusual bird mortality, and registering backyard flocks. These steps are aimed at early detection and prevention of the disease from spreading further.
Proactive Precautions
Editor: What proactive measures can farmers and bird keepers take to protect their flocks and themselves?
Dr. Emily Harris: Farmers and bird keepers should strictly follow biosecurity protocols. Avoiding contact with wild birds, practicing good hygiene, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting their facilities are essential steps. Registering with agricultural departments helps government agencies monitor and respond to outbreaks more effectively.
