CDC Halts Bird Flu Emergency but Experts Warn of Fall H5N1 Resurgence

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially ended its bird flu emergency response, initially activated on April 4, 2024, as H5N1 cases in animals have significantly declined and no new human infections have been reported since February. As of July 7, 2025, the CDC will integrate bird flu updates into its routine influenza reports, signaling a shift to a less urgent monitoring phase.

Human case monitoring will now occur monthly, while data on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in animals, like cows, will be handled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The CDC emphasizes that there’s no evidence of person-to-person transmission, maintaining that the public health risk remains low. Yet, the agency reported 70 human cases and one fatality nationwide, a sobering reminder of the virus’s potential.

Experts, however, caution against complacency. The decline in cases aligns with seasonal patterns, as migratory birds—key carriers of H5N1—are less active now. But a resurgence is likely this fall when migration resumes, potentially spreading the virus across poultry and other species. This cyclical threat keeps health officials on edge, ready to pivot if the situation escalates.