University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Category: Avian Influenza

First European case of H9N2 bird flu reported in Italy – what you need to know

The Conversation The first human case of H9N2 influenza virus (bird flu) has been reported in Europe. A human infection was recorded by the Italian Ministry of Health on March 25, 2026. As an influenza virologist, I can explain what this means and why I am not particularly worried by it – yet. What do we know […]

Apr 1, 2026

Cambodia reports child infected with H5N1 avian influenza

Vietnam News According to a press release issued by the ministry, the child tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus on March 29, after laboratory testing conducted by the National Institute of Public Health. The patient lives in Thnob Thmei village, Beng commune, Banteay Ampil district. Authorities reported that chickens and ducks in the […]

Apr 1, 2026

First Human Case of Bird Flu Imported in EU

European Medical Journal THE FIRST human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) infection has been reported in Italy. Notification of the infection in the Lombardy Region marks the first human case reported in Europe. Italy’s Ministry of Health confirmed on Wednesday that the infected person came from a non-European country where he contracted the low-pathogenicity avian influenza A(H9N2) virus of […]

Apr 1, 2026

H9N2 Bird Flu Hits Europe as First Human Case Confirmed in Italy

Science Alert The first human case of H9N2 influenza virus (bird flu) has been reported in Europe. A human infection was recorded by the Italian Ministry of Health on March 25, 2026. As an influenza virologist, I can explain what this means and why I am not particularly worried by it – yet. What do we know about this case? The […]

Apr 1, 2026

Could bird flu still spark a pandemic?

Science Friday Bird flu has flown off the national news radar, with only scattered, local reports of dead birds in parks and poultry farms. Is it simply no longer a concern, or have cuts to federal science funding disrupted monitoring for this disease? Airborne pathogens expert Seema Lakdawala gives a flyover view on where bird […]

Mar 25, 2026

Has bird flu killed millions of chickens in Colorado? 

Colorado Sun Poultry losses due to avian flu in 2024 alone drove up egg prices nationwide by 9%, a University of Arkansas study found. Avian flu outbreaks have led to the deaths of more than 11 million commercial chickens in Colorado since 2022.  Federal officials usually require farmers to “depopulate” an entire flock if a […]

Mar 25, 2026

H5N1 in marine mammals is spreading: Research tallies over 50,000 seals and sea lions killed along South America’s coast

Phys.org When the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was discovered on a poultry farm in Asia in 1996, there was little indication that it would become so widespread and so destructive. Within 30 years, it reached every continental region except Oceania, infecting more than 400 million poultry, tens of thousands of elephant seals and […]

Mar 25, 2026

California: 27 elephant seals test positive for bird flu in Bay Area outbreak

KRON More than two dozen elephant seals have tested positive for avian influenza since the outbreak at Año Nuevo State Park on the San Mateo County coast began in February, according to an update from UC Davis released Monday. One sea otter and two California sea lions have also tested positive after being found dead […]

Mar 18, 2026

UK industry welcomes new turkey vaccine trial in bird flu battle

Poultry World In a landmark move for the UK poultry sector, a new field trial to test highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccines in turkeys has begun in England. The launch at the beginning of March marks what many in the industry say is a pivotal moment in the long-running battle against a disease that […]

Mar 18, 2026

Warning to stay away from elephant seals after bird flu detected at Año Nuevo State Park

Fox Health officials are warning beachgoers to stay away from marine life after confirming the state’s first cases of bird flu in elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park in San Mateo County. Infected seal pups are displaying symptoms including tremors and seizures, according to wildlife experts. The virus is considered highly contagious among animals. […]

Mar 11, 2026