Category: Avian Influenza
Is bird flu the next pandemic? The science so far
Nature Bird flu is spreading. The avian influenza virus H5N1 has been recorded around the world — in poultry, in wild birds and in mammals, including humans. So, should we be worried about a potential new pandemic? And what can we do about it? This animation looks at what science says so far.
Dec 17, 2025
Missouri: Birds are dying around KC from fast-spreading strain of avian flu. What to know
Kansas City Birds have been getting sick and dying in the Kansas City metro due to a rapidly-spreading strain of avian influenza, according to biologists and veterinarians. The highly pathogenic Eurasian H5N1 strain of bird flu began causing problems for North American poultry and wild birds in February 2022. The outbreak continues to have an […]
Dec 17, 2025
Can bird flu infect dairy animals beyond cows? ISU research seeks answer
Des Moines Register When the current outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected in dairy cattle in March 2024, a group of researchers at Iowa State University started to ask questions. “If this virus can show up in cow milk, can it show up in other types of milk?” Todd Bell, a professor of […]
Dec 10, 2025
Dead vultures in Rocky Mount mark 14th bird flu case in Virginia since July
WDBJ Fifteen vultures were found dead in a creek last week in the area of Franklin and Dent Street. Based on results from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the black Vultures tested positive for avian influenza, or bird flu. Alexandra Lombard with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources says the H5 strain they tested positive for was introduced […]
Dec 10, 2025
Bats might be the next bird flu wild card
Science News Bats have become the latest mammals susceptible to H5N1, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus responsible for bird flu. In Peru, over a dozen vampire bats have been found carrying H5N1 antibodies, indicating exposure to the virus, researchers report November 11 at bioRxiv.org. The finding is “very worrisome,” says Vincent Munster, a virus ecologist […]
Dec 10, 2025
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Multiple Areas Throughout Texas
Focus Daily News Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges caution as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is circulating among wild birds across the state as waterbirds and waterfowl migrate and congregate on their wintering grounds. Detected in all 50 states across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, HPAI is a highly contagious zoonotic virus that […]
Dec 10, 2025
Researchers find mammary glands of people, sheep and other livestock could harbor bird flu
Iowa Public Radio When bird flu spilled over into dairy cattle last year, researchers discovered high concentrations of the H5N1 virus in the raw milk and udders of infected cows. A new study shows the mammary glands of other livestock and humans could also be suitable hosts for the virus. Millions of wild birds, chickens […]
Dec 10, 2025
27 birds dead as avian flu surges across Southeast Texas
Chron Officials in Galveston County confirmed Monday several positive cases of avian influenza, or bird flu, across the area. In fact, the county said that 27 birds have died from influenza, known as H5N1, already during this outbreak. “Of the 27, six birds have been sent to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) for further diagnostic testing and confirmation,” read […]
Dec 3, 2025
H5N1 outbreaks surge across the Americas – PAHO
The Poultry Site The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported that avian influenza A(H5N1) continues to circulate in the Americas, with new outbreaks detected in birds, mammals, and sporadic human infections linked to exposure to the virus. Clade 2.3.4.4b—the region’s predominant strain since 2021—continues to drive the activity recorded in recent years. Recent data indicates that […]
Dec 3, 2025
Virginia: Avian influenza suspected in Rocky Mount vulture deaths
WFXR Wildlife officials suspect highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused the deaths of numerous vultures found deceased in a wooded area in Rocky Mount. The birds were discovered on Tuesday, December 3, in a wooded lot on the corner of Dent Street and Franklin Street. Some of the deceased vultures were found in a creek […]
Dec 3, 2025