CDC ends bird flu emergency—but experts warn that it isn’t going away
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Some recent decisions from a major health agency have raised eyebrows—and a few questions—across the country.
A shift in response to a contagious health threat has sparked cautious optimism, but officials are far from declaring victory.
While updates may not be flooding in like before, the story behind the headlines reveals a more complex picture.
A CDC emergency response that had been in place for months was officially deactivated on July 2.
This special response effort was initially launched on April 4, 2024, as concern grew around the spread of H5N1 bird flu.
The emergency activation allowed for added staffing, testing, surveillance, and communication support in light of the outbreak that began hitting cattle herds and poultry across several areas.
Now, with infections appearing to slow and no new human cases since February, the agency says the heightened emergency response is no longer necessary.
Surveillance efforts won’t disappear—but they will look different moving forward.
As of this month, bird flu monitoring will now be handled by the CDC’s influenza division. This is the same team that handles seasonal flu every year.
The CDC also said that updates for bird flu will now be merged with routine reports typically issued for seasonal influenza. That includes changes in how human data is reported.
Going forward, the number of individuals monitored or tested for bird flu will now be published monthly, not weekly.
However, updates on animal infections—which were once a key part of outbreak tracking—will no longer be posted on the CDC’s website.
Also read: Flying this summer? CDC flags renewed health risk for Americans
This shift follows months of concern over the fast-moving spread of H5N1. The virus has already jumped between several species, including poultry and cattle, and even infected humans.
According to CDC data, around 70 people have been infected globally over the past year—most of them farm workers with direct exposure to infected animals. One person has died.
The CDC continues to describe the current public health risk as low but emphasized it has not disappeared entirely.
The agency said it remains ready to scale up activities as needed if the threat changes again. Concerns about the virus mutating still linger.
Every time H5N1 infects another species, the virus gets another opportunity to evolve in ways that might make it more transmissible between humans. This is why monitoring remains critical, even without the emergency label.
The broader US response has not been without complications. Earlier this year, reports surfaced that the US Department of Agriculture experienced significant staff departures.
These exits were reportedly linked to a larger federal effort to shrink the government workforce. Such staffing issues raised concerns about how efficiently agencies could manage biosecurity and outbreak responses.
Additionally, a high-profile bird flu vaccine deal was unexpectedly scrapped. The government canceled a contract worth over $700 million with Moderna MRNA.O that had been awarded for the late-stage development of a human vaccine for H5N1.
This vaccine was viewed by some experts as a promising line of defense if bird flu became more widespread among humans.
The decision to cancel the deal was met with criticism from some public health officials, who questioned preparedness for a potential future surge.
Also read: Finally Safe to Eat? CDC Announces End to McDonald’s E. coli Nightmare
There is no guidance suggesting you should avoid poultry or eggs. But it is always wise to take simple precautions.
Staying aware—not alarmed—is still the most powerful thing you can do. Although the emergency is over, the virus hasn’t disappeared.
CDC surveillance will continue behind the scenes, especially in populations and areas with known animal outbreaks. Early detection remains the best protection when it comes to preventing wider spread.
Read next: Critical warning: First US human death from bird flu reported
Have you been following bird flu coverage this year? Did the news change how you grocery shop or prepare food at home? Let the community know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, and questions. Your voice could help someone else feel a little more prepared and informed.
A shift in response to a contagious health threat has sparked cautious optimism, but officials are far from declaring victory.
While updates may not be flooding in like before, the story behind the headlines reveals a more complex picture.
A CDC emergency response that had been in place for months was officially deactivated on July 2.
This special response effort was initially launched on April 4, 2024, as concern grew around the spread of H5N1 bird flu.
The emergency activation allowed for added staffing, testing, surveillance, and communication support in light of the outbreak that began hitting cattle herds and poultry across several areas.
Now, with infections appearing to slow and no new human cases since February, the agency says the heightened emergency response is no longer necessary.
CDC ends bird flu emergency, but experts warn the virus isn’t going away. Image Source: Towfiqu Barbhuiya / Unsplash
Surveillance efforts won’t disappear—but they will look different moving forward.
As of this month, bird flu monitoring will now be handled by the CDC’s influenza division. This is the same team that handles seasonal flu every year.
The CDC also said that updates for bird flu will now be merged with routine reports typically issued for seasonal influenza. That includes changes in how human data is reported.
Going forward, the number of individuals monitored or tested for bird flu will now be published monthly, not weekly.
However, updates on animal infections—which were once a key part of outbreak tracking—will no longer be posted on the CDC’s website.
Also read: Flying this summer? CDC flags renewed health risk for Americans
This shift follows months of concern over the fast-moving spread of H5N1. The virus has already jumped between several species, including poultry and cattle, and even infected humans.
According to CDC data, around 70 people have been infected globally over the past year—most of them farm workers with direct exposure to infected animals. One person has died.
The CDC continues to describe the current public health risk as low but emphasized it has not disappeared entirely.
The agency said it remains ready to scale up activities as needed if the threat changes again. Concerns about the virus mutating still linger.
Every time H5N1 infects another species, the virus gets another opportunity to evolve in ways that might make it more transmissible between humans. This is why monitoring remains critical, even without the emergency label.
The broader US response has not been without complications. Earlier this year, reports surfaced that the US Department of Agriculture experienced significant staff departures.
These exits were reportedly linked to a larger federal effort to shrink the government workforce. Such staffing issues raised concerns about how efficiently agencies could manage biosecurity and outbreak responses.
Additionally, a high-profile bird flu vaccine deal was unexpectedly scrapped. The government canceled a contract worth over $700 million with Moderna MRNA.O that had been awarded for the late-stage development of a human vaccine for H5N1.
This vaccine was viewed by some experts as a promising line of defense if bird flu became more widespread among humans.
The decision to cancel the deal was met with criticism from some public health officials, who questioned preparedness for a potential future surge.
Also read: Finally Safe to Eat? CDC Announces End to McDonald’s E. coli Nightmare
So, what does this all mean for you? At this time, most Americans—especially those 60 and older—don’t need to make any changes to their daily routines.There is no guidance suggesting you should avoid poultry or eggs. But it is always wise to take simple precautions.
- Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly.
- Wash your hands after handling raw meat or visiting farms.
- Stay up to date on your flu vaccinations.
Staying aware—not alarmed—is still the most powerful thing you can do. Although the emergency is over, the virus hasn’t disappeared.
CDC surveillance will continue behind the scenes, especially in populations and areas with known animal outbreaks. Early detection remains the best protection when it comes to preventing wider spread.
Read next: Critical warning: First US human death from bird flu reported
