The United States has reported its first outbreak of the deadly H7N9 bird flu on a poultry farm since 2017. This situation unfolds as the nation grapples with another strain, the H5N1, which has caused alarming surges in egg prices. The ongoing spread of avian influenza has led to severe disruptions in poultry production and food supply chains globally.
The latest H7N9 outbreak was confirmed on March 13, 2025, on a commercial broiler breeder chicken farm in Noxubee, Mississippi, housing 47,654 chickens. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has officially acknowledged this, drawing from reports supplied by US authorities. The Mississippi State Board of Animal Health also announced that testing conducted at the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the flock's infection.
While the H7N9 strain has re-emerged, the H5N1 strain remains the most significant threat to poultry farmers in the United States. H5N1 has been responsible for the death of one individual in the U.S. and numerous poultry losses across farms. The emergence of H7N9, which has a much higher mortality rate in humans, adds to existing concerns. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), H7N9 has infected 1,658 individuals worldwide since its detection in China in 2013, leading to 616 fatalities—a staggering 39% mortality rate.
In light of this recent outbreak, a zoo in Wisconsin has decided to temporarily close its popular penguin exhibit to safeguard its animals from bird flu, as precautionary measures intensify nationwide. The zoo's decision reflects growing fears due to the ongoing avian influenza events affecting millions of poultry, dairy cows, and wild birds across several states.
Following the discovery of the outbreak, authorities have enforced a quarantine in the affected area and initiated culling of infected birds to prevent further transmission. “This H7N9 virus is a fully North American virus of wild bird origin and is unrelated to the Eurasian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus currently circulating in the United States,” stated the Mississippi Board of Animal Health. Reassuring the public, they confirmed that no infected birds had entered the food supply chain.
As part of the country's efforts to respond proactively to cell infections, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated $1 billion to combat the spread of avian influenza. Enhanced surveillance and responsive actions will be essential in limiting further impacts on animal and human health. Authorities continue to stress the importance of biosecurity protocols for poultry farmers. Health experts, including Dr. John Whyte, CEO of WebMD, have sought to reassure the public. “You definitely want to cook poultry, and you definitely want to make sure you cook eggs, typically at an internal temperature of about 165 degrees,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of proper food safety. He added, “Of all the things that I'm concerned about right now in terms of flu, I’m aware of bird flu, and I think people should be aware of it, but I’m not overly concerned about it.”
Experts point out that even though the infections from bird flu have escalated, the existing risk of transmission to the general public remains low. Human infections generally occur following direct contact with live birds, and cases of person-to-person transmission seem to be rare. Nonetheless, vigilance is required as authorities navigate these outbreaks.
The H5N1 strain has dominated recent concerns around bird flu, contributing to the significant decline in poultry stocks, yet the H7N9's resurgence poses a new and serious concern for poultry health. In addition to its lethality in humans, experts warn that there is a pressing need for careful management. AGreeing on this sentiment, the USDA's announcement of additional funds and resources underscores the urgency of addressing avian influenza threats. As the U.S. grapples with these concurrent outbreaks, the importance of a robust public health response cannot be overstated. Maintaining food safety and animal health while preparing for possible future incidents will be critical in the months ahead.
With consistent monitoring and enhanced coordination among health officials, the public can be assured that every effort is being made to mitigate the impact of these outbreaks on both human and animal populations.
