Story perspectives

Bird Flu Threatens U.S. Turkey Farms, Human Risk Low

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

H5N1 bird flu poses a threat, with over two million turkeys culled in the United States since August.
The virus has infected more than 180 million birds and caused at least 70 human infections, mainly among farmworkers, with one death.
Indian scientists' modeling shows isolating infected individuals and quarantining households can contain outbreaks and beyond primary contacts lockdowns may be needed.
The risk to humans remains low, but monitoring continues.

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Story summary

H5N1 bird flu poses a threat, with over two million turkeys culled in the United States since August.
The virus has infected more than 180 million birds and caused at least 70 human infections, mainly among farmworkers, with one death.
Indian scientists' modeling shows isolating infected individuals and quarantining households can contain outbreaks and beyond primary contacts lockdowns may be needed.
The risk to humans remains low, but monitoring continues.