CDC Confirms Airborne H5N1 Transmission in US Mammals

The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to spread across the U.S., affecting migratory birds, poultry, dairy cattle, and even domestic animals like cats, raising significant public health concerns. Recent research from the CDC shows that this strain can be transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets and aerosols, as demonstrated in ferret studies, indicating a higher pandemic potential than previously thought. The virus first appeared in North America in 2022, spreading southward and causing substantial losses in poultry and outbreaks in dairy herds, with ongoing cases reported in multiple states including Michigan, Utah, and Idaho. Human infections have been documented, notably among Michigan dairy farmworkers in 2024, with symptoms ranging from conjunctivitis to respiratory issues, underscoring the virus's ability to cross species barriers. Experts emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach including vaccine development for domestic animals to protect both animal and human health, as the virus continues to circulate and spill over into new hosts. Nebraska's Global Center for Health Security remains a key institution in biocontainment and research efforts addressing such high-consequence infectious diseases.