Resurgence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
A sharp resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is raising alarms across the United States. Over 90 new detections have been reported in the past month, infecting more than 1.6 million birds nationwide. This outbreak threatens both backyard and commercial poultry operations, creating economic strain and supply chain disruptions as the holiday season approaches.
Congressional call for action
- In response, a bipartisan coalition in Congress is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restore full surveillance and reporting efforts.
- Led by Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Sarah McBride (D-Del.), lawmakers warn that weakened federal monitoring—exacerbated by recent government shutdowns and staffing reductions—has left farmers without timely information to combat the virus.
- The letter emphasizes that avian influenza has become a near-annual threat since 2022, impacting poultry farmers and driving up grocery prices.
- Lawmakers argue that restoring robust surveillance is essential to protect the food supply and ensure coordinated support for producers.
Economic and food security concerns
California’s San Joaquin Valley, a major poultry and egg production hub, illustrates the stakes. The region supports over 120,000 jobs and contributes nearly $121 billion to the national economy. Disruptions caused by avian influenza ripple through farms, grocery stores, and family tables, raising concerns about holiday meal traditions and overall food security.
Public health and monitoring challenges
- While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the current public health risk remains low, sporadic human cases have occurred among poultry and dairy workers exposed to infected animals.
- Since 2024, 71 human cases have been documented, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
- However, experts stress that ongoing surveillance is critical to detect potential mutations that could increase pandemic risk.
Global perspective
The World Health Organization (WHO) echoes these concerns, calling for stronger global surveillance after H5N1 was detected in pigs—a species that can host both avian and human influenza viruses, raising fears of genetic reassortment. WHO warns that preparedness is key, as influenza pandemics are a matter of “when,” not “if.”
Sources: Available upon request