Bird Flu Resurfaces
In recent years, the threat of a global pandemic caused by the avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, has resurfaced. The latest strain, identified in 2025, has raised concerns among health experts and policymakers worldwide. With the potential to spread rapidly and cause severe illness in humans, the 2025 bird flu strain poses a significant public health risk.
Some History on Bird Flu
Further investigating the history of bird flu reveals that the virus has been a recurring concern since its first major outbreak in 1997. Over the years, various strains of the avian influenza virus have emerged, with some causing sporadic cases in humans and others leading to widespread outbreaks in bird populations. The constant evolution of the virus, along with its ability to jump species barriers, has kept health authorities on high alert for the possibility of a global pandemic. By taking into account this historical context, it becomes evident that ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts are crucial in combatting the threat posed by bird flu. Read more on some of the pivotal point in history where the bird flu has impacted our understanding of it’s behavior:
- 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic: Believed to have originated from an avian influenza virus, this pandemic caused an estimated 50-100 million deaths globally. Read more…
- 1959-1960: The first documented outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry, occurring in Scotland and the United Kingdom. Read more…
- 1996-1997: The first outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in humans, causing 18 cases and 6 deaths in Hong Kong. Read more…
- 2003-2004: A global outbreak of H5N1, affecting over 60 countries and causing over 200 human deaths. Read more…
- 2005-2006: Another large outbreak of H5N1, with cases reported in over 30 countries. Read more…
- 2013-2014: An outbreak of H7N9 bird flu in China, resulting in over 130 human cases and 45 deaths. Read more…
- 2016-2017: A global outbreak of H5N6 bird flu, with cases reported in over 30 countries.
- 2020-present: An ongoing outbreak of H5N1, which has been particularly severe in parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. Read more…
Understanding the 2025 Strain
The 2025 bird flu strain, designated as H5N1, is known for its high pathogenicity in poultry and its ability to infect humans. This particular strain has shown a worrisome combination of characteristics that make it highly transmissible among birds and, in some cases, capable of jumping to humans. The genetic makeup of the virus suggests that it could potentially mutate further, leading to increased human-to-human transmission and potentially sparking a global pandemic.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2025), the bird flu has spread worldwide, infecting domesticated and wild birds, U.S. dairy cows, and several human cases. Currently, the CDC is tracking statistics within the United States, and you can find those statistics by clicking here. Please be advised, the data found in the CDC website may be potentially “skewed” due to recent executive orders from the change in administration. We advise you to due your own research and formulate your own scientific opinion.
- Dairy Cattle: Ongoing multi-state outbreak
- Wild Birds: Widespread
- Poultry Flocks: Sporadic outbreaks
- Mammals: Sporadic infections
- Person-to-person spread: None…recorded
- Person-to-person spread: Low…for now
The CDC is not tracking global statistics. To keep up on the latest worldwide statistics, please visit the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website.
Global health authorities and governments have been working tirelessly to enhance preparedness measures in anticipation of a potential bird flu outbreak. Strategies include surveillance and monitoring of bird populations, rapid response protocols for outbreaks in poultry farms, stockpiling of antiviral medications, and development of vaccines specific to the 2025 strain. International cooperation and information sharing are crucial in order to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on public health.
Potential Impact on Human Health
The potential impact of the 2025 bird flu strain on human health cannot be underestimated. In past outbreaks, the virus has caused severe respiratory illness, pneumonia, and in some cases, death in infected individuals. With the 2025 strain showing signs of increased transmissibility and potential for human-to-human spread, the risk of a global pandemic looms large. Health systems around the world must be prepared to handle a surge in cases, provide adequate medical care, and implement measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
As the world braces for the potential threat of a bird flu pandemic in 2025, it is imperative that global preparedness measures are strengthened and maintained. Vigilance, cooperation, and rapid response are key in containing the spread of the virus and protecting human health. However, there may be certain political influences that may try to downplay the severity of another possible pandemic. Communities cannot and should not solely rely on their government’s response, or lack of response, to protect it’s people. You must protect yourself and you must protect your family. No one will think of you as their priority. They will be protecting the wealthy, the elite. so it is up to you and you only to prepare and protect your loved ones. We at Stay Alert Stay Alive (SASA) will keep you updated on the latest happenings and will provide additional and optional guidance, training, preparations, and mitigation measures. We will do our best to prepare an unprepared nation, for the worst case scenario.
Updates will be provided as they come…
Lee Ho