Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) continues to circulate in North America, with outbreaks detected in commercial and wild bird populations across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces through late 2025. The ongoing activity poses continued challenges for poultry producers, reinforcing the need for vigilant biosecurity and surveillance.
Regional Circulation Persists
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports that avian influenza A(H5N1)—primarily clade 2.3.4.4b—remains active throughout the Americas. In 2025 alone, 508 outbreaks in birds were confirmed in nine countries, with the U.S. and Canada accounting for a significant proportion of these events. Thousands of wild bird detections have also been recorded, underscoring the role of migratory species in maintaining viral spread.
In addition to avian hosts, the virus has been documented in wild and domestic mammals in both countries, reflecting broader ecological circulation that complicates control efforts.
Recent U.S. Outbreaks in Commercial Poultry
Across the United States, HPAI detections in commercial flocks continued into late 2025:
- Several commercial turkey, duck, and egg layer flocks were confirmed positive for HPAI across the Midwest and California, triggering depopulation and containment measures.
RFD-TV - Earlier in October, outbreaks were confirmed in Minnesota and Utah, affecting turkey flocks ranging from tens of thousands of birds.
State and federal animal health officials consistently emphasize strict on-farm biosecurity and regular monitoring amid these detections.
CDC Monitoring and Public Health Context
While the primary concern remains animal health and production impacts, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor HPAI activity and potential human exposures. Recent guidance highlights that although the public health risk remains low, surveillance—including in people exposed to infected animals—continues as part of broader preparedness efforts.
Notably, the World Health Organization reported a first confirmed U.S. human case of influenza A(H5N5) in late 2025, linked to contact with infected domestic birds. The case—which occurred in Washington State and resulted in hospitalization—marked the first global detection of H5N5 in a person and underscores the importance of vigilance.
Canadian Activity
Canada has also seen HPAI detections in commercial poultry during 2025, with outbreaks reported in several provinces, including British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. These detections further reflect the pervasive nature of H5 virus activity across the North American poultry production landscape.
Industry Implications
The continued circulation of HPAI presents several ongoing challenges for the poultry industry:
- Biosecurity enhancements remain essential to limiting farm-to-farm spread.
- Surveillance and testing are critical for early detection, especially as wild birds continue to serve as reservoirs.
- Producer support and risk communication from agencies like USDA and PAHO help maintain awareness and response readiness.
Producers should maintain close communication with state veterinarians and animal health officials regarding outbreaks in their region and review biosecurity plans regularly to mitigate risk.
