H5N1 Avian Flu Outbreaks Reported Across US and Canada

The H5N1 avian influenza virus is spreading across the United States and Canada, with multiple outbreaks reported in poultry farms and a concerning case of a teenager in British Columbia who is critically ill from a locally acquired infection. Hawaii recently confirmed its first outbreak in a backyard flock, while California has reported significant infections in commercial poultry and dairy farms, leading to more than 550 cases nationwide. Health authorities are increasing surveillance efforts in response to the first confirmed human case in Canada, which has raised alarms about potential mutations that could facilitate human-to-human transmission. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency noted that since December 2021, over 11 million birds have been impacted by H5N1 outbreaks across the country. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed additional outbreaks in states like Minnesota and Washington, contributing to a total of 400 cattle herds affected. As the respiratory season intensifies, hospitals in Ontario are also enhancing screenings for avian influenza among patients.