Understanding the Threat of Bird Flu (H5N1)
The ongoing global highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) or bird flu outbreaks in animals and sporadic infections in people highlight the need for ongoing comprehensive surveillance and global public health preparedness. The 2.3.4.4b clade of HPAI A(H5N1) viruses has spread globally, resulting in a record number of outbreaks among various bird populations. Since January 2022, over 17,000 animal outbreaks have been reported to the World Organization for Animal Health by 80 member countries. In the United States, between January 2022 through October 24, 2023, USDA APHIS detected H5N1 virus in over 7,350 wild birds across all 50 U.S. states or territories and in 862 commercial and backyard flocks in 47 states or territories. Additionally, from May 2022 through October 2023, H5N1 was identified in 200 mammals of 20 different species across 26 states or territories in the U.S. The current threat assessment to the public is low however, due to the viruses' potential for rapid evolution and its widespread presence in wild birds and poultry, ongoing vigilance is important. Join moderator Dr. Syra Madad and a panel of experts to discuss the threat of the H5N1 bird flu virus.