Fears about the potential transmission of avian flu to humans have intensified as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed cases of the virus in mammals. Three states—Washington, Montana, and Kentucky—have reported incidents of bird flu in mammals this year, according to the USDA. The virus was detected in three striped skunks in Washington, a mountain lion in Montana, and a raccoon in Kentucky.

While avian flu has long been prevalent among wild birds and poultry, with more than 82 million affected animals across 48 states, the recent spread to mammals has escalated concerns about human infection even though the current risk remains low. Dr. Chris Walzer from the Wildlife Conservation Society expressed his belief that it is quite likely for humans to eventually catch the virus. He emphasized the urgent need for improved disease tracking and surveillance to safeguard human populations from the virus, which is continually acquiring new traits that could pose a threat to humans.

In response to the recent developments, scientists worldwide have been advised to closely monitor the spread of avian flu. A new study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases revealed that the virus has also been found in marine animals in South America. Genomic testing conducted on four sea lions and a seal identified nearly identical samples of the virus, causing alarm among researchers. The Wildlife Society reported that in Argentina, Chile, and Peru alone, H5N1 has resulted in the deaths of at least 600,000 wild birds and 50,000 mammals since 2022.

The impact of avian flu on the United States is evident not only in the spread to mammals but also in the country's egg market. The outbreak has significantly affected California's massive poultry industry, contributing to a surge in egg prices.

As concerns mount and the virus continues to pose a threat to wildlife and potentially humans, global efforts are increasingly focused on containment, surveillance, and research aimed at understanding the transmission and impact of avian flu.