H5N1 grinds on across US poultry and dairy as summer detections mount
More than 500 dairy herds and fresh poultry losses keep egg prices elevated while researchers map new transmission routes
Summary
As of June 2026, H5n1 remains entrenched in US poultry and Dairy Cattle. USDA confirmations have reached more than 500 dairy herds across 15 states, with California about 291; roughly 15.2 million birds have been culled in 2026, keeping retail egg prices elevated, typically within 6-8 weeks of depopulations. CDC counts 71 human cases since February 2024, mostly mild and farm-linked, calling public risk low. Research is probing transmission via flies, milk handling and bovine semen. Europe has eased some controls — Spain lifted poultry confinement on 1 April 2026 — signalling regional divergence.
Why it matters
The ongoing cull plus 500-plus affected herds sustain elevated US egg and poultry prices and a low-but-watched human-spillover risk — a slow biosecurity drag on Food Prices.