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A new strain of bird flu has been confirmed at a duck farm in California, marking the first appearance of this variant in U.S. poultry. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) reported the discovery of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N9 at a commercial duck farm in Merced County on January 13, 2025.
This strain, H5N9, has not been previously detected in U.S. poultry, and its emergence raises alarm bells for both animal and human health. The WOAH report, obtained by AFP, confirmed that all 119,000 poultry on the affected farm were culled in response to the outbreak. In addition to the new H5N9 strain, the H5N1 bird flu strain, which has already been widespread in the United States, was also detected at the farm.
U.S. animal health officials have launched comprehensive investigations and increased surveillance in response to the discovery. This new strain’s origin remains unknown, and experts have called for heightened monitoring as bird flu continues to evolve and spread across the country.
The timing of the outbreak is particularly concerning given the political climate surrounding the U.S.’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). Health experts have raised concerns that without U.S. cooperation with global health agencies, tracking and controlling the spread of infectious diseases like bird flu will become more difficult. The U.S. is the largest donor to the WHO, which coordinates global responses to health emergencies.
Bird flu has been identified as a potential pandemic threat, with experts cautioning that mutations in the virus could make it more dangerous to humans. In fact, 67 people in the United States have already contracted bird flu, with one death reported in early January. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
Scientists warn that the risk increases if a person were to contract both seasonal flu and bird flu, potentially creating a new strain capable of spreading between humans. This scenario could trigger a global pandemic, and experts are urging authorities to act swiftly to curb the spread of the virus.
As investigations continue, the world watches closely, and the global health community remains on edge about the evolving situation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available information at the time of writing. Updates may occur as new findings emerge.
© 2025 AFP
