Bird Flu Updates: Biden administration is allocating additional funding of $306 million to bolster preparedness (January 3, 2025)

Hi 👋

Here's your latest in-depth bird flu news roundup, with detailed coverage of recent developments.You can also check out our live situation dashboard at birdfluwatcher.com for real-time updates.

Latest Developments

• The Biden administration is allocating additional funding to bolster preparedness efforts amidst rising concerns about a potential spillover to humans. [Source]

• Gov. Reynolds extends disaster proclamation for bird flu in California [Source]

• Experts view the persistent spread as a "very different landscape than COVID" but remain vigilant. [Source]

• Nebraska (Johnson County), Mississippi (Copiah County), and Ohio reported new poultry outbreaks. [Source] [Source] [Source] [Source]

Scientific Research & Development

• No significant new viral mutations have been detected, but experts warn that the prolonged outbreaks increase opportunities for the virus to evolve in concerning ways. [Source]

• Existing vaccines remain partially effective against currently circulating strains, but updated formulations may be required if the virus mutates substantially. [Source]

• Preliminary studies suggest some pre-existing T-cell immunity could offer limited protection against severe illness in humans, should spillover occur. [Source]

• Researchers are investigating the potential for aged raw milk cheeses to harbor the virus, prompting new food safety testing protocols by FDA. [Source]

Public Health Updates

• Health authorities are urging heightened biosecurity on farms, proper cooking of poultry products, and avoiding handling of dead wild birds. [Source] 

• Pet owners are advised to avoid feeding raw food and monitor for any flu-like symptoms in their animals. [Source] 

Economic Impacts

• Egg prices have skyrocketed due to supply shortages from mass cullings, with some regions seeing 100%+ increases over last year. [Source]

• Some states have declared disaster zones to provide aid to impacted poultry operations and mitigate economic fallout. [Source] 

Agricultural Impacts

• Over 57 million birds have been culled in the U.S. so far, causing billions in losses to the poultry industry. [Source] 

• Dairy farms in New Hampshire and raw cheese nationwide will undergo testing for potential contamination. [Source]

Wildlife & Pet Safety

• Highly pathogenic strains are proving deadly for many wild bird species, with large die-off events being reported across their migratory pathways. [Source] [Source] 

• This is disrupting ecosystems and raising concerns about potential impacts on conservation efforts for threatened species. [Source]

• Los Angeles officials warn against raw pet food as H5N1 bird flu infection in cat confirmed tested positive[Source]. Up to 5 house cats sick after bird flu found in 2nd raw pet food brand: Health officials [Source].

Looking Ahead

• Vaccine manufacturers are preparing updated formulations targeting newly emerging viral strains should they arise. [Source]

• Further studies are underway to assess the true human spillover risk and severity potential of currently circulating strains. [Source]

• Sustained viral circulation in wild reservoirs could lead to establishment of endemic regional strains that are difficult to eliminate. [Source]

This unprecedented bird flu crisis shows no signs of abating, requiring sustained vigilance and a coordinated global response to safeguard public health, food systems and the environment. We will continue tracking developments and providing updates as the situation evolves.

Stay safe!

Jennifer