The CDC ended the emergency response for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), citing no new human cases since February and a decline in animal infections.
“The current public health risk from H5N1 bird flu is low; however, CDC will continue to monitor the situation and scale up activities as needed,” a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson, who asked not to be identified, told Infectious Disease Special Edition.
The deactivation occurred July 2, according to the spokesperson, and means additional staffing and resources that were provided under the emergency designation have been discontinued. During the emergency response that began April 4, 2024, 375 CDC employees were deployed.
Announced July 7, the CDC will now combine H5N1 bird flu updates with routine influenza updates. Bird flu data—such as the number of people monitored and tested for bird flu, confirmed animal cases and epidemiological updates—will be reported monthly on the H5N1 Bird Flu Surveillance and Human Monitoring page, the agency announced. However, new H5N1 cases are nationally reportable and available through FluView, which is updated weekly. Other data will move from the H5N1 bird flu page to different CDC sites, such as the National Wastewater Surveillance System.
Experts have told IDSE that surveillance needs to continue to stay ahead of H5N1, as there is the potential for human cases to increase.
This is not the first time, the National Institutes of Health scaled back on its response to bird flu, which has pandemic potential. In May, HHS pulled funding for Moderna to continue development of its investigational avian influenza vaccine and canceled a purchasing agreement, according to the company.
“While I recognize the rationale for ending the emergency-level response, continued investment in H5N1 monitoring, vaccines and research is critical to stay ahead of the virus, which remains on U.S. farms and in wild birds,” Jacob S. Yount, PhD, the co-director of the Viruses and Emerging Pathogens Program at The Ohio State University Infectious Disease Institute, in Columbus, told IDSE.
Since 2024, a total of 70 individuals have tested positive for H5N1 in the United States, with one death.
