On February 24, 2025, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, along with nearly 30 public interest organizations, urged the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to disclose critical information about the rapidly spreading bird flu outbreak in the United States. This plea for transparency comes amidst significant concerns over the government's response to the crisis, especially following the surprising dismissal of 25% of the federal staff involved in outbreak coordination under the Trump administration.

For weeks, the CDC has refrained from publishing regular updates on its bird flu response activities. In a troubling trend, many studies related to the outbreak have been omitted from the agency’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Alarmingly, the administration has also withheld vital information suggesting that house cats may be capable of transmitting the virus to humans, a revelation that could heighten public health risks.

Since 2022, avian influenza has dramatically impacted the U.S., infecting at least 162 million poultry and wild birds. The virus has now been identified in mammals, including cows, goats, and even federally protected polar bears, marking a disturbing expansion of its reach. Notably, an ongoing outbreak linked to dairy farms has affected nearly 1,000 herds across multiple states, raising further alarms about the potential for broader transmission.

Human infections during this outbreak are primarily among individuals in farming communities, with 70 reported cases so far. Tragically, one person, who had contact with a backyard chicken flock, has died. Experts stress that the virus is evolving, making its control more urgent than ever.

The bird flu crisis has not only caused public health concerns but has also led to a catastrophic disruption in the egg supply chain. In just the past month, over 21.2 million egg-laying hens have been lost due to the virus or culling measures implemented to prevent its spread. This has led to soaring prices for eggs nationwide, awakening both consumer anxiety and market instability.

The call for CDC transparency is supported by a vast coalition of organizations dedicated to animal welfare and public health, including the Center for Biological Diversity and Farm Aid, among others. As the outbreak continues to evolve, experts and activists alike underscore the necessity of keeping the public informed to mitigate the risks associated with this pernicious virus.