Top virologists are warning that the U.S. is at serious risk of another pandemic as the H5N1 bird flu virus continues to spiral out of control, particularly across dairy and poultry farms.
Nearly 1,000 dairy herds have been infected, and over 70 human cases have been confirmed in the U.S., including the first human fatality from bird flu in Louisiana. The virus, known for its rapid mutation and ability to infect mammals, is now spreading at an alarming rate, prompting growing concern among international health experts.
In a statement, the Global Virus Network (GVN) highlighted the pandemic potential of H5N1, calling for urgent interventions to halt its spread within livestock and prevent human transmission. Dr. Marc Johnson, a virologist at the University of Missouri, warned on X (formerly Twitter) that the virus is “trying really hard” to go pandemic, adding, “it sure is getting a lot of opportunities.”
First Bird Flu Case in Sheep Raises Alarm in UK
In the UK, where seven human cases have been confirmed since 2021, scientists recently detected the world’s first case of bird flu in sheep on a Yorkshire farm. British virologists say the increasing number of animal-to-animal and animal-to-human transmissions raises serious public health concerns.
Experts continue to stress that while the current risk to the public remains low, the virus could evolve to become more easily transmissible between humans. Professor Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia stated, “There’s no evidence of that at present, but it cannot be ruled out.”
Symptoms, Transmission & Testing
Bird flu often presents with mild to severe flu-like symptoms: cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fever, and in some cases, pneumonia or severe respiratory infections requiring hospitalization. As with COVID-19, diagnosis cannot rely on symptoms alone — lab testing using swabs from the nose, throat, or eyes is essential, especially early in the illness.
US health officials emphasize early testing for accurate results. In severe cases, samples from the lower respiratory tract may be required to detect infection.
Bird Flu in Cattle and First Human Death in the US
The first U.S. human death, reported in January 2025, involved a person over 65 with pre-existing health conditions and direct contact with infected backyard poultry. Genetic analysis showed the virus may have mutated inside the patient’s body, potentially worsening the disease.
California has become a major hotspot, reporting H5N1 in 645 dairy herds, nearly half of which were recorded within 30 days. The state declared a public health emergency amid the outbreak’s explosive growth.
Another critical case occurred in Canada, where a teenager was hospitalized in November 2024 due to H5N1. The source of infection remains unknown, with all animals the teen contacted testing negative.
Public Health Guidance & Food Safety
Experts confirm that bird flu cannot be contracted from eating properly cooked poultry, as the virus is destroyed by heat. Instead, infections typically occur when the virus enters a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled — often during close contact with infected animals.
GVN and other public health bodies urge increased public education, surveillance, and containment measures to mitigate the growing threat.
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