US H5N1 Bird Flu Update February 2026: 71 Confirmed Human Cases, 989 Dairy Herds Affected
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US H5N1 Bird Flu Update February 2026: 71 Confirmed Human Cases, 989 Dairy Herds Affected
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[Upbeat news intro music fades out]
Host: Good day, this is Bird Flu Update: US H5N1 News Now. I'm your host, delivering the latest on avian influenza in the United States as of late February 2026. Today: confirmed cases in humans and animals, CDC and USDA updates, guidance shifts, key research, what it means for you, and a look back at recent trends. All drawn from CDC, USDA, and state reports.
Starting with humans: The CDC reports 71 confirmed H5N1 cases since February 2024, with two deaths. Forty-one linked to dairy herds, 24 to poultry farms, three to other animals, and three unknown sources. No person-to-person spread detected. Recent cases include a Nevada dairy worker, Ohio poultry worker, and Wyoming backyard flock owner, per CDC's early February data. The public health risk remains low, but workers with animal exposure face moderate-to-high risk.
In animals, USDA data shows H5N1 widespread in wild birds nationwide, with ongoing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows. Since March 2024, 989 dairy herds in 17 states, 336 commercial poultry flocks, and 207 backyard flocks—over 90.9 million birds affected. This week, Texas Parks and Wildlife warned of detections in wild birds in Amarillo and Lubbock areas on February 17. CIDRAP notes recent Pennsylvania outbreaks in egg and turkey facilities, with 51 US flocks confirmed in the past 30 days. New Jersey reports over 1,100 dead or sick geese since mid-February, sparking warnings.
Agency updates from the past week: No major CDC announcements, but their February 18 situation summary confirms streamlined monthly reporting since July 2025 via FluView. USDA continues animal surveillance, directing users to their site for detections. CDC's week 5 flu report ending February 7 shows no H5 positives in routine testing.
Guidance and containment: No changes this week. CDC urges PPE for farm workers and avoiding sick animals. Pasteurization kills the virus in milk; cook poultry and eggs thoroughly. USDA's bulk milk testing pilots in select states continue for interstate herd movement.
Research highlight: CDC analysis shows viral mutations like PB2 D701N and E627K aiding mammal replication, but no antiviral resistance or vaccine concerns.
For listeners: Everyday risk is low—avoid raw milk from sick cows and contact with dead wild birds. Farmers, enhance biosecurity: limit wild bird access, report illnesses promptly.
Compared to previous weeks: Situation stable. No new human cases since early 2025; animal outbreaks persist seasonally without surge, entering the outbreak's fourth year. Flu surveillance shows rising seasonal flu but zero H5 activity.
Thank you for tuning in. Join us next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production—for me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.
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