Another global pandemic fears rise as H5N1 bird flu spreads across US farms

Global Virus Network and other officials are raising alarms as the H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to spread rapidly across dairy farms in the United States. Since March 2024, the virus has affected over 1,000 dairy herds, raising serious public health concerns, especially due to its ability to infect mammals, including humans.

Another pandemic warning from experts

To date, over 70 human infections have been reported in the country, and at least one fatality has been confirmed. The death occurred in January 2025 in Louisiana, where a 65-year-old man, who had pre-existing medical conditions, succumbed to the virus after being hospitalised for severe respiratory symptoms. Health officials confirmed that he had direct contact with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock.

A Terrifying CDC Health Warning Press Release Has Been Issued, As "H5N1 Avian Influenza", The New Bird Flu Virus, is Spreading All Across The United States Farms...The Outbreak is Spreading Across Chicken & Cow Farm Food Products, Effecting Both Farm Workers & Final Consumers... pic.twitter.com/aQmdvyaGxS

¡ª Ahmadov Khatibov (Lebanese Emperor/Samurai)?? (@AhmadKhatibLB) April 29, 2025

Global Virus Network calls it a serious risk

According to the Global Virus Network (GVN), the continued presence of H5N1 in mammals presents a serious risk. The organisation has stressed the importance of proactive monitoring, vaccination programmes for farmworkers and livestock, and robust testing measures. They have highlighted that if the virus mutates further, it could potentially develop the capacity for human-to-human transmission, increasing the risk of a pandemic.

Bird flu, or H5N1, now infects over 40 different mammalian species, a dramatic rise from just a few years ago, increasing opportunities for the virus to mutate and become more transmissible or lethal to humans.

Learn more from @CSISHealth: https://t.co/1NE6LhOjH1 pic.twitter.com/4ZvGxHNV8L

¡ª CSIS (@CSIS) April 21, 2025

Coordination between veterinary and human health sectors is crucial to control its spread

Dr Sten H. Vermund, Dean of the USF Health College of Public Health, said that understanding the evolving pattern of H5N1 infections is vital for implementing effective preventive measures. He added that coordination between veterinary and human health sectors is crucial in controlling its spread.

Dr Marc Johnson, a virologist at the University of Missouri, noted that while the virus may not necessarily cause a global outbreak, it is showing patterns that warrant serious attention. He expressed concern over the many opportunities the virus has had to adapt.

Currently, the health risk is low

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has clarified that the current public health risk remains low. However, they urge people who have close contact with animals¡ªparticularly poultry and cattle¡ªto follow precautionary guidelines. The CDC continues to monitor the virus¡¯s activity in both animals and humans through its national surveillance systems.

While the situation remains under control, experts agree that continued vigilance, improved communication, and readiness are essential to preventing a potential escalation.