UN agency says bird flu spread ‘unprecedented’

A United Nations food agency called the H5N1 bird flu virus an “unprecedented” food security risk requiring a coordinated global response. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization cited the loss of hundreds of millions of poultry worldwide and the spread into mammals as primary concerns stemming from the H5N1 bird flu. At least 300 newly affected wild bird species have been infected since 2021. The UN also called on countries to enhance surveillance and reporting of bird flu; improve lab capacity; develop and implement preparedness plans; consider vaccinations in the response; and promote risk management through biosecurity. The U.S Department of Agriculture is spending $1 billion to combat bird flu and reduce egg prices, but the administration also sidelined a key preparedness office. (The Hill article, 3/18/25)