By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially ended its emergency response to the bird flu outbreak, citing a decline in new cases. The decision reflects a shift to routine flu monitoring as no new human cases have been reported recently in the United States.
Since the outbreak began in 2022, there have been 70 human cases and one death in the U.S., but no current human infections, according to the CDC. The agency announced that bird flu data will now be included in regular seasonal flu reports. Monthly updates will track human testing and monitoring, though animal infection rates will no longer be listed on the CDC’s website.
Several states have also reduced their bird flu response efforts. California ended its emergency declaration in April, and Washington, which recorded 11 human cases in 2024, is also scaling back. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC's emergency team is returning to standard program duties. Surveillance will continue under the CDC’s Influenza Division.
Experts agree that this change is appropriate for the current situation. “There haven’t been any human cases... If needed, the response can be increased quickly,” said Dr. Nirav Shah, a former CDC official.
Despite the slowdown, concerns remain. Experts like Michael Kinch from Stony Brook University warn that reduced attention might delay detection of virus changes. Dean Blumberg from UC Davis emphasized that missing early signs could increase risks of animal and human infections.
Animal cases remain low, with only one new cattle case and three poultry cases reported in the past month, affecting about 30,000 birds. While the threat has declined, experts caution continued vigilance is necessary.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski.
Categories: Illinois, Livestock, Poultry