San Diego County has reported the environmental detection of the H5 influenza virus through wastewater testing, although there are no confirmed human cases or detections in cattle, birds, or humans this year. Meanwhile, a rare human case of bird flu in Missouri has emerged without known animal exposure, with health officials investigating potential shared exposure rather than human-to-human transmission. This case marks the 14th confirmed human case in the U.S. this year, primarily affecting farm workers linked to poultry or dairy farms. A recent study suggests that kleptoparasitism among seabirds may be a significant route for the spread of the highly virulent H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has caused millions of bird deaths globally. Experts stress the importance of understanding transmission routes to aid in monitoring and management efforts. As the situation evolves, public health systems continue to conduct surveillance for influenza and other respiratory viruses.