US confirms first case of H5N9 bird flu in poultry at California duck farm

US officials are investigating the first confirmed case of the H5N9 bird flu strain in poultry, detected on a duck farm in Merced County, California. This marks a new development in the ongoing concerns about bird flu in the country. The case has not been publicly announced by US health officials due to a pause in government communications pending a political review. Experts express concern that this lack of information could hinder public awareness of disease outbreaks. While the risk to the general public remains low, scientists are monitoring the situation closely. They are particularly focused on genetic changes in the virus that could affect its behavior and potential spread.