Welcome to Avian Flu Watch: Global H5N1 Tracker, your weekly source for data and analysis on the worldwide spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. I’m your host, and over the next three minutes, we’ll break down the latest numbers, map out hotspots, track the virus’s evolution, and help you stay informed.As of August 2025, avian influenza A(H5N1) continues to surge globally among both animals and people, with the virus showing a dangerous capacity to jump species. The World Health Organization reports nearly one thousand laboratory-confirmed human infections since 2003, spanning 25 countries, and in 2025 alone, Cambodia has seen 14 cases with eight deaths. Globally, between January and August, 26 human cases were detected in seven countries outside the U.S., 11 were fatal, mainly in Cambodia, India, and Mexico. All recent human infections involved contact with infected poultry or wild birds. Fortunately, there is still no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission, but authorities warn that the risk of a pandemic remains[WHO][CDC].Looking at geographies, the most acute human outbreaks this year are in Southeast Asia. Cambodia’s Siem Reap, Takeo, and Prey Veng provinces account for most fatalities, with the majority of cases traced to backyard poultry exposures. In India and Mexico, isolated deaths highlight the virus’s continued threat. In the United States, the situation has shifted since early 2024, when over 70 human cases were reported. Since mid-February, however, new human cases have ceased, underscoring the success of containment strategies.Among animals, the spread has intensified, notably in U.S. dairy cattle. CDC data reveal all 50 U.S. states have H5N1 detections among birds, and by December 2024, about 950 cattle herds across 16 states were affected. Mathematical models published in Nature predict the disease burden is highest along the U.S. West Coast, with rigorous interstate testing helping limit viral spread. This model simulates the probability of exported cattle testing positive and emphasizes the benefits of early, strong detection measures.Visualizing trend lines, we see global human case numbers remain low compared to animal infections, but the fatality rate is high, exceeding 40% in current outbreaks. Animal infections, especially in livestock, are on a sharp upward trajectory, reflecting the virus’s expanding host range. Hotspots map out sharply on Southeast Asia and Western U.S., with recent clusters in Cambodia signaling persistent risk.Phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 strains detected this year shows cross-border transmission—Turkey and Lebanon play pivotal roles in moving the virus regionally, while genetic links tie Egypt and Israel outbreaks together. The emergence of new variants is a growing concern. Notably, the D1.1 variant appeared in Nevada dairy cattle, characterized by independent spillovers from birds to cows, diverging from the dominant B3.13 lineage. These changes raise the stakes for ongoing genomic surveillance.International successes include the U.S. halting new human cases through stringent containment, testing, and industry engagement on pasteurization and biosecurity. Failures persist in places where backyard poultry management and limited access to veterinary care hinder rapid response, as in parts of Southeast Asia.Travel advisories now recommend avoiding direct contact with wild birds and poultry in outbreak zones, particularly in Cambodia, India, and Mexico. The FDA reminds travelers not to consume unpasteurized dairy products and emphasizes biosecurity for industry workers.That’s all for this week’s data briefing. Thank you for tuning in to Avian Flu Watch: Global H5N1 Tracker, a Quiet Please production. To learn more about me, check out Quiet Please Dot AI, and come back next week for the latest numbers and analysis on emerging variants and new hotspots. Stay safe and informed.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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