Avian influenza A (H5N1) — or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) — emerged as a growing concern in recent months as H5N1 has spread, particularly in the United States. Pandemic Action Network (PAN) began monitoring the situation through weekly tracking in early 2024. As we look toward 2025, we’ve taken stock of our reporting and observations of H5N1’s rise as well as media coverage and policy action (or lack thereof.) These weekly snapshots of zoonotic transmission and response documented in real-time over the past year show how H5N1 spread first from birds to other species — notably, dairy cows — and then to humans. A review of the year’s coverage underscores that the world is not adequately paying attention or preparing for a potential H5N1 pandemic threat. There are clear priorities for urgent action — particularly for the incoming U.S. administration.
The threat of a more severe H5N1 emergency or pandemic demands immediate efforts to strengthen surveillance, expand testing, and implement targeted vaccination campaigns, making it imperative for countries — particularly those most affected like the U.S. — to take decisive action now. The clock is ticking, and failing to act swiftly could have devastating consequences for public health and global security.
PAN urges prompt and decisive global action in preparing for and responding to the H5N1 outbreak, reinforcing the following key recommendations from global experts to avert a widespread health emergency or another devastating pandemic.
Priority Recommendations:
- Increase transparency and data sharing
- Bolster surveillance, testing, and monitoring
- Enhance access to medical countermeasures
- Strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration and develop localized, climate-resilient strategies
- Strengthen multilateral cooperation
Read our full H5N1 report.
