In today’s Health Alert, a new strain of bird flu - H5N9 - has been detected in the U.S. The first confirmed case was found at a commercial duck farm in California.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bird flu outbreaks have impacted poultry in 51 states, while the virus has been detected in dairy cows across 16 states.

Commercial duck flock in California has tested positive for two strains of avian influenza. On November 23, 2024, two HPAI viruses were identified in samples from a farm rearing meat ducks in Merced County in California. Increased mortality was observed at the premises, leading the state veterinary authority to quarantine the farm.

The latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S, Department of Agriculture show the continued devastating effects of bird flu outbreaks across the United States — with Iowa,

Learn about the new H5N9 bird flu strain in the US, its impact on food safety and prices, plus expert advice on protecting yourself from avian influenza.