Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has significantly impacted poultry flocks in southern Minnesota during the current outbreak. The region has experienced a substantial number of confirmed cases, leading to significant culling of affected birds. This outbreak poses a considerable threat to the state’s poultry industry and underscores the ongoing challenges of managing HPAI outbreaks. The situation necessitates continued biosecurity measures and monitoring to prevent further spread.
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The US government’s plan to build a new stockpile of avian influenza vaccines for poultry is a significant undertaking, addressing a critical issue impacting both the agricultural industry and consumers. This initiative aims to protect the nation’s poultry flock from devastating outbreaks of bird flu, a highly contagious disease capable of decimating entire flocks and disrupting the egg supply chain.
The potential benefits of this plan extend far beyond the immediate protection of poultry. A robust vaccine stockpile could help stabilize egg prices, which have fluctuated wildly in recent years. Reduced bird flu mortality would translate to a more consistent and abundant egg supply, hopefully mitigating the price increases many consumers have experienced.… Continue reading
Louisiana reported the first U.S. death from bird flu, a person over 65 with underlying health conditions who had contact with infected birds. The CDC confirmed the death and noted a genetic mutation in the virus within the patient. While 66 U.S. cases have been reported since March, most were mild, unlike this severe case. Although human-to-human transmission isn’t currently evident, the virus’s widespread presence in animals necessitates continued caution and preventative measures.
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Louisiana’s first human case of H5N1 avian influenza resulted in the death of a patient over 65 with underlying health conditions following exposure to backyard and wild birds. No further H5N1 cases or person-to-person transmission have been identified. While the overall public health risk remains low, individuals handling birds, poultry, or livestock face a higher risk of infection. The public is urged to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report any such findings to the appropriate authorities.
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Northwest Naturals issued a voluntary recall of their Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food (sell-by dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026) after a cat’s death was linked to bird flu contamination in the food. Testing confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the affected batch, sold nationwide. Consumers are advised to discard recalled products and contact the company for a refund. While state officials monitor household members for symptoms, no human cases have been reported, although the CDC recently noted a severe U.S. human case linked to another H5N1 exposure.
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A highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak at Washington’s Wild Felid Advocacy Center resulted in the deaths of twenty big cats, including a tiger and cougars, between late November and mid-December. The virus, also affecting cats elsewhere in the US, spread rapidly, causing pneumonia-like symptoms and death within 24 hours in many cases. The sanctuary is under quarantine, undergoing disinfection and food removal, while officials investigate the source, which may be linked to contaminated pet food. The incident highlights the virus’s ability to spread among different animal species, though limited human cases have been reported.
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A review of over 1,500 research papers revealed a 90% mortality rate among pregnant women infected with bird flu, with 87% of their babies also succumbing. This alarming finding, based on 30 confirmed cases across several countries, highlights the vulnerability of pregnant women to this virus, despite the overall rarity of human infections. The lack of safety data currently prevents the inclusion of pregnant women in avian influenza vaccine trials, creating a significant public health concern. While the risk of a pandemic remains low, the study underscores the need for research into protecting this vulnerable population.
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The CDC has confirmed the first case of severe bird flu in the United States, a development that understandably sparks a range of reactions, from concern to outright cynicism. The patient, located in Louisiana, had contact with sick and deceased birds in their backyard flock. While investigations are ongoing to pinpoint the exact source of infection, this initial case highlights the potential risks associated with close contact with poultry.
This particular case is distinct from the avian flu strains circulating among dairy cows and some poultry populations within the country, underscoring the complexity of the virus’s spread and potential mutations. The fact that this is the first confirmed human case linked to backyard flocks raises concerns about potential future outbreaks.… Continue reading
A voluntary recall of a batch of Raw Farm raw milk was issued in California after bird flu was detected in a single sample. The virus was found during routine testing, with no illnesses reported to date, but the state’s Department of Public Health advises against consuming the affected milk due to the ongoing spread of avian influenza. While further testing at the farm yielded negative results, officials emphasize the risks associated with consuming unpasteurized milk. The CDPH warns that contact with the contaminated milk may lead to illness through ingestion or indirect contact.
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California’s public health department recently announced a potential case of avian influenza (bird flu) in a young child presenting with mild symptoms. This announcement naturally sparked concerns, especially given the child’s attendance at daycare, leading to the offering of testing and treatment to those who had contact with the child. The department, however, emphasized that there’s no current evidence of human-to-human transmission, reassuring parents and caregivers that based on existing data, the child wasn’t likely infectious. This statement is backed by the fact that no documented human-to-human spread of this particular strain of bird flu has been observed globally for over fifteen years.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood