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- Bird Flu Updates: Deadly H5N1 strain detected on every continent except Antarctica (March 5th, 2025)
Bird Flu Updates: Deadly H5N1 strain detected on every continent except Antarctica (March 5th, 2025)
Researchers have developed a sensor that detects airborne bird flu
Jennifer H
March 05, 2025
In partnership with
Hi 👋
The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus is causing widespread disruptions globally, decimating wild bird populations, impacting agricultural sectors, and raising concerns about potential human transmission. Despite enhanced biosecurity measures, the virus continues to spread across multiple continents.
And major producers may be taking advantage by raising prices far beyond what is justified!
Let’s dive into today’s updates.
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In This Update
Latest Developments
The H5N1 strain has now been detected on every continent except Antarctica, signaling an unprecedented geographic spread. [Source]
Massive die-offs of wild birds like sandhill cranes in Indiana and geese in Belgrade, Montana heighten fears about impacts on endangered species and ecosystems. [Source] [Source]
Outbreaks continue to be reported in commercial poultry operations across multiple U.S. states, leading to cancellations of state fair livestock shows. [Source]
Backyard flocks in states like North Carolina, Indiana, and New Mexico have tested positive for the virus, raising concerns about potential spread to commercial poultry operations. [Source] [Source] [Source] [Source] [Source]
Two indoor cats in Washington state contracted the bird flu virus, highlighting the risk of transmission to household pets. This prompted a recall of certain raw pet food products due to potential contamination. [Source] [Source] [Source]
Scientific Research & Developments
A new biosensor has been developed that can detect airborne H5N1 in real-time, potentially allowing faster outbreak detection. [Source]
Public Health Updates
H5N1 has now been confirmed in domestic cats in Washington state after eating contaminated raw food [Source]
Wild birds testing positive have been reported across multiple U.S. states like Indiana, Montana, Missouri, and New York. [Source] [Source] [Source]
Avian influenza H5N1 in subantarctic region raise alert level for Australian islands [Source]
Localized responses like surveying backyard flock owners are underway to assess preparedness. [Source] [Source] [Source]
Economic Impacts
With egg supplies disrupted, major producers may be taking advantage by raising prices far beyond what is justified, according to a new report. [Source]
Turkey farmers welcome the USDA's plan to help the hard-hit industry. [Source]
Egg and poultry product shortages and high prices are disrupting consumer access, including for religious holidays like Passover. [Source]
Some food distributors are struggling to secure adequate egg supplies. [Source]
Wildlife & Pet Safety
The virus is taking a heavy toll on certain wild bird species like sandhill cranes in Indiana. Biologists are concerned about the population impacts. [Source]
Multiple brands of raw pet food contaminated with H5N1 have been recalled due to risks of transmission to domestic cats and dogs. [Source] [Source] [Source] [Source]
Looking Ahead
Intensive research efforts are underway to study viral evolution, update vaccines and treatments, and understand environmental persistence. [Source]
Experts warn the virus could continue spreading to new regions and acquire mutations that increase human-to-human transmission risk if not contained. [Source] [Source]
Stay informed and stay safe ❤️
Jennifer
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