The number of bird flu outbreaks among animals in North, Central and South America has declined this year. However, the avian influenza virus A(H5) continues to circulate among birds and mammals. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is therefore calling on countries to strengthen monitoring and cooperation between health, veterinary and environmental authorities.
Between January and July 15, 2026, a total of 455 animal outbreaks were recorded in ten countries in the region. These included 386 outbreaks in birds and 69 in mammals. During the same period in 2025, there were 612 outbreaks. This represents a decline of nearly 26 percent.
There was a particularly sharp decline among mammals. The number of recorded outbreaks fell from 196 in 2025 to 69 this year, a reduction of nearly 65 percent.
According to PAHO, no human infections have been identified in the Americas so far in 2026. Between 2022 and the end of 2025, a combined total of 75 human infections with A(H5) viruses were reported in Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and the United States. The most recent case in the region dates from November 2025.
Worldwide, 1,002 confirmed human infections with the A(H5N1) subtype were recorded in 25 countries between 2003 and August 7, 2026. Of these, 479 patients died. In 2026, nine infections and two deaths have been reported globally.
Although the number of outbreaks in the Americas has declined, the virus continues to spread geographically. Between October 2025 and July 2026, a sharp increase among wild birds was observed particularly in Europe. The virus was also detected in Australia and New Zealand in areas where it had not previously been identified.
According to the available scientific data, sustained human-to-human transmission has not been demonstrated. Most human infections are linked to direct or indirect contact with infected animals or a contaminated environment.
The World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health continue to assess the overall public health risk as low. For people who come into occupational or regular contact with potentially infected animals, the risk is considered low to moderate.
PAHO recommends additional monitoring of, among others, poultry workers, veterinarians, laboratory staff and agricultural producers. Poultry farms must also strengthen their biosecurity measures, while new outbreaks or suspected infections should be promptly reported and investigated.
According to the organization, people exposed to infected animals should be monitored for possible symptoms for fourteen days after their last contact.
PAHO emphasizes that there is no evidence that bird flu is transmitted through eating properly cooked chicken, eggs or other poultry products. The organization also advises consuming only pasteurized milk and avoiding raw milk.
