Sign in Subscribe
Avian influenza

Avian Flu Cases Surge Across US, Raising Concerns About Pandemic Preparedness

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A surge in avian flu cases across the US is driving concerns about the nation's readiness to respond to outbreaks, particularly during the government shutdown. The virus is spreading rapidly, with 62 commercial and backyard flocks affected in 17 states, and an estimated 6.6 million birds infected. The disease has also been identified in dairy cows, cats, and other mammals in multiple states.

Key Takeaways:

  • The avian flu has spread to 17 states, affecting an estimated 6.6 million birds across 62 commercial and backyard flocks.
  • The virus has also been identified in dairy cows, cats, and other mammals in multiple states.
  • Public health officials are hampered by staff cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Agriculture, immigration enforcement on farms, and the government shutdown.
  • The administration has been criticized for its sluggish response and downplaying of bird flu risks, with vaccination rates for animals lagging and funding for an mRNA vaccine for bird flu in people pulled.
  • Regularly scheduled meetings of experts held under the Biden administration have ceased, and the CDC announced it was winding down its emergency response earlier this summer.

Statistics:

  • 62 commercial and backyard flocks have been affected in 17 states, with an estimated 6.6 million birds infected.
  • Infections have also been identified in dairy cows, cats, and other mammals in 6 states.
  • The administration has designated $1 billion toward fighting bird flu, with funding largely aimed at biosecurity audits on farms and financial relief for farmers.
  • The government shutdown has prevented USDA participation in a key meeting of top animal health experts and suspended some activities, such as a weekly call among animal health laboratories.

Sources:

  • (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks) USDA
  • (https://www.axios.com/2025/01/21/bird-flu-egg-prices-avian-influenza-trump)
  • (https://www.axios.com/2025/02/27/moderna-bird-flu-vaccine-funding-review)
  • (https://www.axios.com/2025/07/07/cdc-winds-down-emergency-response-to-bird-flu)
  • (https://www.aavld.org/) Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAVLD)
  • (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-will-spend-up-1-billion-combat-bird-flu-usda-secretary-says-2025-02-26/)
  • (https://features.csis.org/US-bird-flu-response/#:~:text=The%20H5N1%20outbreak%20has%20revealed,the%20sustained%20spread%20of%20H5N1.)

Read more