As of 2025, avian flu, specifically the H5N9 strain, has had a significant impact on both wild and domestic animals across the globe.Here’s a summary of the current situation based on the provided web search results:
- Global Impact: The United Nations has reported that avian flu has been detected in 108 countries across five continents. Over 500 bird species and at least 70 mammalian species, including endangered ones like the california condor and polar bears, have been infected. The FAO has warned that avian influenza poses a serious threat to food and nutrition security, particularly in regions heavily reliant on poultry for protein [1[1[1[1].
- United States: In the U.S.,bird flu has been reported in more than 145 million birds in 618 counties and all 50 states over the past three years,according to CDC data [2[2[2[2]. The first cases of the H5N9 strain were reported in January 2025 on a duck farm in California [3[3[3[3].
- Wildlife Impact: The bird flu is taking a massive toll on wild animals. The extent of the impact on wildlife is still being researched, but it’s clear that many species are being affected [4[4[4[4].
- Economic Damage: The economic damage to poultry farms in the U.S. has been significant. The spread of bird flu has led to the culling of millions of birds, causing significant financial losses for farmers [2[2[2[2].
- Biodiversity Threat: The H5N1 strain of avian flu has become an “existential threat” to biodiversity worldwide. This strain continues to spread, adding to the overall impact of avian flu on global wildlife populations [5[5[5[5].
These sources provide a comprehensive overview of the current avian flu situation, highlighting its global reach, impact on wildlife and domestic animals, and economic consequences.
Avian Flu: The Global Impact of the H5N9 Strain in 2025
Table of Contents
As of 2025, avian flu, specifically the H5N9 strain, has had a significant impact on both wild and domestic animals across the globe. This interview with dr. Emily Hart, a renowned expert on avian influenza, provides valuable insights into the current situation and its implications.
Global Impact
The United Nations has reported that avian flu has been detected in 108 countries across five continents. Over 500 bird species and at least 70 mammalian species, including endangered ones like the California condor and polar bears, have been infected. The FAO has warned that avian influenza poses a serious threat to food and nutrition security, notably in regions heavily reliant on poultry for protein.
interview with Dr. Emily Hart
Senior Editor: Can you provide an overview of the global impact of avian flu as of 2025?
Dr. Emily Hart: Certainly. The avian flu, particularly the H5N9 strain, has spread to an alarming number of countries, affecting a wide range of species. The United Nations data shows that over 500 bird species and at least 70 mammalian species have been infected. This includes endangered species like the California condor and polar bears, which raises significant concerns about biodiversity loss. The FAO has also warned about the threat to food and nutrition security, especially in regions that depend heavily on poultry for protein.
United States
In the U.S., bird flu has been reported in more than 145 million birds in 618 counties and all 50 states over the past three years, according to CDC data. The first cases of the H5N9 strain were reported in January 2025 on a duck farm in California.
Interview with Dr. Emily Hart
Senior Editor: How has the avian flu situation evolved in the United States?
Dr. Emily Hart: The United States has seen a significant outbreak of avian flu over the past few years. According to CDC data, more than 145 million birds have been affected across all 50 states and 618 counties. The first cases of the H5N9 strain were reported in January 2025 on a duck farm in California. This strain has added a new layer of concern, as it has shown the ability to spread rapidly and affect a wide range of bird species.
wildlife Impact
The bird flu is taking a massive toll on wild animals. The extent of the impact on wildlife is still being researched, but it’s clear that many species are being affected.
Interview with Dr.Emily Hart
Senior Editor: What is the current understanding of the impact of avian flu on wildlife?
Dr. Emily Hart: The impact of avian flu on wildlife is still being researched, but it’s evident that many species are being affected. the bird flu is taking a massive toll on wild animals, and the extent of this impact is a significant area of concern. Researchers are working to understand how different species are being affected and what measures can be taken to mitigate the impact.
Economic Damage
The economic damage to poultry farms in the U.S. has been significant. The spread of bird flu has led to the culling of millions of birds, causing significant financial losses for farmers.
Interview with Dr. Emily Hart
Senior Editor: what are the economic consequences of the avian flu outbreak in the United States?
Dr.Emily Hart: The economic consequences of the avian flu outbreak in the United States have been significant. The spread of bird flu has led to the culling of millions of birds,causing significant financial losses for farmers.Poultry farms have been particularly hard hit,and the economic impact has ripple effects throughout the agricultural sector and the broader economy.
Biodiversity threat
The H5N1 strain of avian flu has become an “existential threat” to biodiversity worldwide. This strain continues to spread, adding to the overall impact of avian flu on global wildlife populations.
Interview with Dr. Emily Hart
Senior Editor: How does the avian flu pose a threat to global biodiversity?
Dr. Emily Hart: The H5N1 strain of avian flu has become an “existential threat” to biodiversity worldwide.this strain continues to spread, adding to the overall impact of avian flu on global wildlife populations. The widespread infection of endangered species like the California condor and polar bears highlights the severity of this threat. Efforts are underway to understand and mitigate the impact on biodiversity, but the situation remains critical.
Conclusion
The avian flu, particularly the H5N9 strain, has had a profound impact on both wild and domestic animals across the globe.The global reach of the virus, its significant impact on wildlife and domestic animals, and the economic consequences it has brought about are all cause for serious concern. As research continues and efforts to mitigate the impact are underway, the future of global wildlife and the agricultural sector remain at stake.
