Experts tell Pennsylvania joint committee H5N1 remains entrenched in wild birds, threatens poultry and dairy; urge surveillance and targeted vaccination

HARRISBURG, Pa. — University of Pennsylvania infectious-disease and veterinary experts told a Feb. 24 joint hearing of the Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Health Committee that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is now established in wild birds across North America, continues to spill into domestic poultry and dairy cattle, and has caused a small number of human infections. They recommended sustaining and expanding surveillance, tightening biosecurity on farms, and considering targeted vaccination for workers and certain animal populations.

Why it matters: The panel said the outbreak has cost U.S. agriculture heavily and remains a public‑health concern because the virus keeps evolving. That continuing viral circulation raises the chance of mutations that could increase human transmissibility, the experts said.

University of Pennsylvania Dean Andrew Hoffman, representing Penn Vet, summarized the briefing’s goals—tracking cases, monitoring viral changes and preparing vaccines—and warned that the virus has “devastating consequences to poultry.” Dr. Hoffman said multi‑sector collaboration among academic, state and federal partners is essential to slow the outbreak.

Louise Moncla, assistant professor…