According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the US since 2024. In 64 of those cases, infection has been linked to animal exposure, primarily through dairy cattle herds and poultry farms.

Currently, there are a total of 67 confirmed human cases in the United States and one death associated with the bird flu.

In late January, scientists at the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) reported the first cases of H5N9 avian influenza in the U.S., on a duck farm in California. The latest strain isn’t a surprise,

Bird flu (H5N1) primarily affects birds but has spread to mammals, including humans. While human transmission remains rare, scientists fear mutation could make it airborne, potentially triggering a global health crisis.

This op-ed argues that to fight avian flu and other animal-borne illnesses, we need to overhaul our food system.