Bird Flu Emergency Response Ends - Is the U.S. Ready for the Next Surge?
The CDC ended its bird flu emergency response, but experts warn risks remain for public health and U.S. agriculture.
As of early July 2025, no new human cases of bird flu have been reported in the U.S. since 2022, leaving the total at 70 cases and one death. Animal infections persist: 3 new poultry cases impacted roughly 30,000 birds, while a single cattle case was confirmed in Arizona-marking a modest but persistent presence across species.
Why It Matters for U.S. Farms
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Livestock & poultry producers remain vulnerable: even limited virus activity among birds or dairy cows could threaten productivity and supply chain stability.
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Crop insurance & risk modeling must account for potential spread between species and regions-a crucial component of precision agriculture planning.
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Supply chain resilience depends on sustained surveillance: gaps in detection could lead to delayed outbreak responses and market shocks, affecting commodity prices.
Bird Flu Cases in Humans since 2022.
Courtesy of the CDC
Expert Concerns: Are We Dropping the Ball?
Veterans of the response warn that shifting to seasonal reporting may mask emerging trends:
"We are letting our guard down," says Michael Kinch, infectious disease expert at Stony Brook University.
"If you do miss an uptick... that could lead to more widespread transmission," adds Dean Blumberg of UC Davis.
Their warnings echo concerns that reduced visibility in migratory bird patterns and interspecies transmission could weaken the nation's early-warning capacity.
Policy Context & Next Steps
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The CDC has folded bird flu tracking into its Influenza Division, offering monthly reports rather than daily updates. States like California and Washington have ended emergency measures.
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Dr. Nirav Shah, former CDC deputy director, supported the shift-emphasizing readiness to ramp up if cases reemerge.
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From an agricultural policy angle, this pivot places pressure on USDA and co-ops to maintain robust surveillance and biosecurity protocols, while ensuring farm budgets account for ongoing input costs and insurance premiums.
Bird flu cases in cattle.
Courtesy of USDA
What U.S. Ag Professionals Should Do
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Continue biosecurity checks on farms-especially on poultry and dairy operations.
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Work with crop insurers to ensure coverage for possible disease-induced supply disruptions.
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Coordinate with local USDA APHIS teams for testing and outbreak control.
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Monitor CDC's monthly updates and state health advisories to stay ahead of new developments.
