News briefing · Published
H5N1 bird flu is back in poultry and cattle: kitchen safety basics
Is H5N1 bird flu back in the US, and how do I keep my kitchen safe?
The Poultry Site reports H5N1 bird flu detections in commercial poultry across four US states on September 15, 2026, and 88 cattle detections in 2026 as of mid-September. USDA says detections are higher in fall and spring. Cooking eggs and poultry fully, and keeping raw milk out of the kitchen, are simple food safety basics.
The Poultry Site reports, in a September 15 report, that H5N1 bird flu has hit commercial poultry in four US states. A late-August report said three dairy herds were confirmed infected in 30 days, in Texas and Utah.
What happened
By mid-September, two more herds in Idaho were confirmed, and the 2026 count reached 88 H5N1 detections in cattle. The Star reports that Cambodia confirmed its sixth human H5N1 case of 2026. A CDC summary counts 12 human H5N1 infections reported outside the US from August 2025 to June 2026.
What it means for your home
USDA says detections are higher in fall and spring. The human cases in these reports were outside the US. The steps below are general food safety habits.
What to do this week
- Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm, and cook poultry fully.
- Avoid raw milk.
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw poultry or eggs.
- Keep a few shelf-stable protein foods in the pantry.
The main guide is Food safety in the fridge and freezer during a power outage.
Sources
This briefing is general information, not medical, legal or electrical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.