First Outbreak of H5N9 Bird Flu Reported in California, U.S. Poultry Authorities Confirm

In a recent report, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) announced that the United States has experienced its inaugural outbreak of H5N9 bird flu in poultry. The outbreak was identified on a duck farm located in Merced County, California.

Detection of H5N1 Strain

Alongside the H5N9 strain, U.S. authorities also discovered the more prevalent H5N1 strain on the same farm. The report to WOAH revealed that approximately 119,000 birds on the farm were culled by December 2 in an effort to mitigate the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Widespread Impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, has wreaked havoc worldwide in recent years, leading to the culling of hundreds of millions of poultry. The virus has not only affected avian species but has also been found in numerous mammal species, including dairy cows in the U.S. Tragically, the virus has even claimed a human life in Louisiana. Among the various strains, H5N1 has been the most damaging, while H5N9 remains comparatively rarer.

Response from Authorities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed in the report to WOAH that this marks the first confirmed case of HPAI H5N9 in poultry within the United States. In response to the avian flu outbreaks, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with State Animal Health and Wildlife Officials, is conducting thorough epidemiological investigations and ramping up surveillance efforts.