Health authorities across the Americas report a significant drop in animal outbreaks of avian influenza A(H5) in 2026, with ten countries notifying 455 cases through mid-July. While animal infections declined compared to the previous year, international agencies maintain a low public health risk while urging ongoing veterinary vigilance.
The Pan American Health Organization released an epidemiological update showing that avian influenza A(H5) continues to circulate throughout the region, though total recorded animal outbreaks decreased notably compared to the same period in 2025. Between January and July 15, 2026, ten countries across the region logged a combined 455 animal outbreaks. Out of that total, 386 occurred in avian species—encompassing both domestic poultry and wild birds—while 69 affected mammals.
This reduction has been observed in both birds (7.2 percent; from 416 to 386 outbreaks) and mammals (64.8 percent; from 196 to 69), with the most pronounced decrease occurring in the latter group. The Organization urged countries to maintain and strengthen surveillance in animals and humans to promptly detect any changes in the behavior of the virus.
This figure marks a 25.7% reduction from the 612 animal outbreaks recorded during the corresponding timeframe in 2025. The downward trend proved particularly pronounced within mammal populations, where recorded incidents dropped sharply from 196 down to 69, representing a reduction of nearly 65%.
Regional Distribution and National Case Counts
Data compiled by public health officials reveals a wide geographic spread in how those 455 animal outbreaks distributed across ten nations in the region. Ecuador recorded the fewest notifications with a single case, while the United States reported the highest volume by a wide margin.
| Country | Reported Animal Outbreaks (2026) |
|---|---|
| United States | 301 |
| Peru | 49 |
| Chile | 42 |
| Argentina | 23 |
| Canada | 21 |
| Uruguay | 8 |
| Brazil | 5 |
| Mexico | 3 |
| Colombia | 2 |
| Ecuador | 1 |
Out of the 386 avian events identified across the region, 35 involved wild birds while 351 involved domestic or backyard poultry. Among mammals, the 69 total cases split into 44 wild species and 25 domestic animals. Avian influenza A(H5) is a highly contagious viral disease that predominantly affects poultry and wild birds, with the ability to sporadically infect mammalian species, including humans. Since 1996, the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage has caused recurrent outbreaks in bird populations, as well as hundreds of human cases and deaths resulting from exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments. Between 2021 and March 2026, more than 600 species of wild and production birds and more than 100 species of mammals have been reported as affected by avian influenza viruses with zoonotic potential A(H5Nx).
Human Health Status and Global Risk Assessment
The epidemiological update shows that, up to epidemiological week 32 of 2026, no human cases of avian influenza A(H5) had been reported in the Americas. The last human case in the region was reported in November 2025. From 2022 until the end of 2025, 75 human infections by A(H5) virus were reported in five countries in the region: Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, and the United States.
Globally, between 2003 and August 7, 2026, 1,002 confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1), one of the A(H5) virus subtypes, were reported in 25 countries, including 479 deaths. In 2026 alone, nine human cases were recorded, including two deaths. Available scientific evidence indicates that there is no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission.
Globally, the virus continues to circulate among animals. Between October 2025 and July 2026, a significant increase in detections in wild birds was observed, particularly in Europe. Likewise, new detections in Australia and New Zealand confirmed the geographic expansion of the virus into areas where it had not been previously identified.
In May 2026, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the World Health Organization (WHO) determined that the global public health risk associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses belonging to the Gs/Gd lineage remains low. Likewise, for people with occupational or frequent exposure, the risk was estimated as low to moderate.
Mitigation Guidelines and Continued Surveillance
According to a regional alert issued by the FAO in April 2026, avian influenza A(H5N1) activity in Latin America and the Caribbean showed a new expansion in late 2025 and during the first months of 2026, with detections in wild birds and outbreaks in backyard and commercial poultry in several countries. The FAO has pointed out that the sustained circulation of the virus in wild bird populations, particularly along migratory routes, continues to represent an important mechanism for its geographic spread and for the introduction or reintroduction of the virus into domestic bird populations. Additionally, it added that direct or indirect contact between wild birds and poultry constitutes one of the main risk factors for the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza into poultry farms.
Given this situation, PAHO/WHO, along with national authorities, continues to monitor the epidemiological evolution and provide technical guidance to countries in the region. It is recommended to consult qualified professionals in public health, animal health, or veterinary medicine to obtain specific guidelines on biosecurity, animal handling, and notification protocols for any suspected outbreak.
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