By Fatma Younis
H5N1 bird flu activity is surging at poultry farms across the United States, with 1.32 million birds affected over the past month, according to federal data. The largest outbreak is in Illinois’s Clinton County, where 934,600 chickens have been reported sick. Significant outbreaks have also been recorded in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, including a turkey farm in Minnesota’s Roseau County with 57,000 birds affected, a North Dakota farm with 60,600 birds, and a Wisconsin farm with 41,400 infections.
Wider Geographic Spread
Smaller outbreaks have been reported in California, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, Ohio, Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, Kentucky, and Washington state since October 5, affecting both backyard flocks and commercial operations. The virus is also circulating in wild birds, with recent detections in Canadian geese, mallards, an American white pelican, a turkey vulture, and an American black duck. A well-known California bald eagle named Jackie died of bird flu in August, a necropsy confirmed.
Spread to Mammals Raises Concerns
Bird flu has expanded beyond avian species. A mink farm in Utah has drawn concern, and Washington state confirmed its first-ever cases in cattle at two farms weeks ago. One unidentified resident exposed to the infected cattle tested positive but has not experienced severe illness and is isolating at home. Both farms are under quarantine.
Human Cases and Mutation Risks
Since the outbreak began in 2024, at least 5,000 people have been monitored and more than 150 tested for bird flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been two deaths and 72 human cases. The virus typically spreads through infected saliva and feces, entering humans via the eyes, nose, mouth, or inhalation. Symptoms range from fever and cough to severe pneumonia. While human-to-human transmission has not occurred, experts warn that sustained spread in mink — which have respiratory systems similar to humans — could increase the likelihood of a jump to people. The Department of Agriculture says it lacks a disease control program for mink and that Congress has not appropriated funding for one.
Egg Price Impact
Past outbreaks at egg-laying farms have driven sharp price increases. In 2024, egg prices reached $8-$10 per dozen, becoming a major campaign issue. Prices have since fallen to $1.32 per dozen, according to the USDA, but further culling to control the current spread could again reduce supply and push prices higher.
