#19,228
Although the summer is generally a very slow time of the year for avian flu reports, the USDA reported yesterday the 3rd detection of H5N1 in a U.S. Live Bird Market for the month of June; this time in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
Earlier this month we looked at outbreaks in New Jersey and Rhode Island. So far in 2026, 14 markets across 5 states (New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Rhode Island, and New Jersey) have reported outbreaks.
As we discussed at some length yesterday, in One Health: Mapping reported modes of transmission of HPAI A (H5N1) to humans: A scoping review, live bird markets have traditionally played a large role in the spread (and evolution) of avian flu viruses.
Curiously, while three mid-atlantic state live bird markets have reported outbreaks in June, the USDA lists zero outbreaks in commercial poultry in RI, PA, or NJ (or any adjacent states) in the past 90 days.
While government agencies are quick to reassure the public that the risk of contracting avian influenza remains low in the United States, exposure to live birds (via LBMs or raising poultry) is a known risk factor.The most recent ones I can find are April 1st (WOAH poultry) or March 27th (Commercial poultry), both in Pennsylvania.
