PAHO reports decline in avian influenza outbreaks in the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports a decline in A(H5) avian influenza outbreaks among animals in the Americas during the first half of 2026. Between January 1 and July 15, 2026, ten countries in the region reported 455 outbreaks, consisting of 386 in birds and 69 in mammals. This represents a 25.7% decrease compared to the 612 outbreaks recorded during the same period in 2025.

The reduction was most significant in mammals, where cases dropped from 196 in 2025 to 69 in 2026, a decrease of approximately 65%. Geographically, the United States reported the highest number of episodes with 301, followed by Peru (49), Chile (42), Argentina (23), and Canada (21).

No human cases of A(H5) avian influenza have been reported in the Americas in 2026; the last recorded human infection in the region occurred in November 2025. Despite the downward trend, health authorities urge countries to maintain strict surveillance in both animal and human populations to detect any changes in the virus's behavior.