Bird Flu Updates: Argentina has confirmed its first case of avian influenza in domestic birds (Feb 24, 2025)

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Now, let’s dive into today’s updates.

In This Update

• Latest Developments

• Scientific Research & Developments

• Public Health Updates

• Economic Impacts

• Wildlife & Pet Safety

• Looking Ahead

Latest Developments

• Researchers have identified disturbing genetic changes in the H5N1 virus as it spreads, suggesting it may be becoming more virulent and adaptable. There is growing urgency to control the outbreak before it mutates further. "A key priority will be to eradicate bird flu from dairy cows." [Source]

• The USDA has confirmed the first cases of H5N1 avian flu detected in rats, indicating further spread into new mammalian hosts. [Source]

• Canada has purchased 500,000 doses of an H5N1 vaccine to protect those at highest risk of exposure, signaling rising concerns. [Source]

• Funding cuts and staffing issues are hampering the U.S. federal response, delaying crucial information sharing and limiting surveillance capabilities when they're most needed. [Source]

• A new H5N1 genotype (D1.1) has been found spreading in U.S. dairy herds, indicating the virus is adapting to infect cattle more efficiently. [Source]

• Unpasteurized milk from infected dairy cattle in Arizona has tested positive for H5N1 [Source]

Scientific Research & Developments

• Boehringer Ingelheim has launched a new trivalent poultry vaccine that includes protection against H5 avian influenza, offering a preventative tool for the industry. [Source]

• An "exceptionally rare" mutation conferring resistance to a key antiviral drug has been detected in an H5N1 sample from Canada. [Source]

• Evidence suggests windborne transmission may be contributing to H5N1 spread in poultry flocks. [Source]

• Rapid research funded by FFAR has developed a new wastewater surveillance tool to detect H5N1 viral RNA, enhancing early warning capabilities. [Source]

Public Health Updates

• Evidence suggests potential human-to-cat transmission in Michigan, raising concerns about the virus spreading to new mammalian hosts. [Source]

• A rare H5N5 strain has also been detected in Canadian poultry and UK seals. [Source]

Economic Impacts

• Poultry farmers are experiencing increased demand as consumers seek raising their own chicken amid the egg crunch. [Source]

• Consumers are facing higher prices and shortages of eggs and poultry meat, straining household budgets. Some are turning to alternative protein sources. [Source]

• Widespread outbreaks and culling of flocks have devastated many poultry producers, with some fearing the loss of their livelihoods if the situation persists. [Source] [Source]

• Crop farmers are also affected indirectly by higher costs for poultry litter fertilizer due to supply shortages. [Source]

Wildlife & Pet Safety

• Two dead geese in Indiana tested positive, indicating the virus is still circulating in wild birds. [Source]

• Evidence suggests pet cats can potentially become infected by owners working with poultry. [Source]

• The virus is taking a heavy toll on wild bird populations across multiple regions, raising concerns about broader ecosystem impacts if it can't be controlled soon. [Source]

Looking Ahead

• Field trials are planned to test the new poultry vaccines and wastewater surveillance tools. [Source]

• Health experts warn the Northern Hemisphere's cold winter could prolong and intensify the outbreak among wild birds. [Source]

Stay informed and stay safe ❤️ 

Jennifer