Virginia lawmakers to CDC: Restart bird flu reports now

With bird flu cases cropping up across the country — including in Virginia — members of the Virginia’s Democratic congressional delegation are demanding the immediate reinstatement of disease and virus reports after President Donald Trump’s administration ordered a pause in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) communications.

In a letter sent to the CDC’s acting director, Susan Coller Monarez, and U.S. Department of Agriculture acting director Gary Washington, the lawmakers urged the agencies to resume publishing critical public health data, warning that the delay could have serious consequences for both public health and the state’s economy.

Reps. Don Beyer, D-Arlington, Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, Bobby Scott, D-Newport News, Gerry Connolly, D-Fairfax, Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun, and Eugene Vindman, D-Woodbridge, signed onto the request at a time when bird flu outbreaks are spreading. 

The disruption has halted crucial studies on disease transmission, including how the virus affects different livestock and the potential for infected humans to pass the illness to their pets. The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which has been published without interruption since 1952, is among the key resources now on hold. 

To ensure Virginia “remains updated and biosecure,” the lawmakers called for the “immediate resumption of communications related to disease and viruses, like morbidity and mortality weekly reports, case and incidence dashboards, serology tests and studies, and surveillance research and reports.”

Beyond public health, lawmakers framed the issue as a significant economic concern for Virginia’s agriculture industry. 

“Cattle, dairy, and eggs are some of the top commodities that the state produces. While bird flu has largely been transmitted by wild birds and thus far mostly impacted Western states, particularly California, the recent cases are deeply concerned for potential impacts to Virginia’s economy,” they wrote. “The disease outbreak has already contributed to record egg prices.”

This year, Virginia has already seen outbreaks in a commercial broiler flock in Accomack County, infections at poultry operations in Delmarva, and deceased cranes at the Richmond Metro Zoo that tested positive for the virus. With bird flu capable of spreading to humans, previous CDC data reported 66 cases in the U.S. last year and 67 since 2022. Just last month, Louisiana reported a human fatality from the disease. 

Health experts warn that the virus poses a serious threat to those infected, with a staggering 90% fatality rate among reported cases.

A review of documented infections shows that the disease progresses rapidly and often requires intensive medical intervention. 

Within just two days of hospitalization, 63% of patients require advanced organ support. Of those, approximately 68% develop multiorgan failure, and at least 54% suffer from acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The severity and infectious nature of H5N1 raise serious concerns about the strain it could place on intensive care units, particularly in the event of widespread transmission. 

Health officials highlight the urgent need for robust infection control measures, expanded ICU capacity, and support for frontline medical staff to prepare for any potential escalation of the virus.

As bird flu continues to spread among wild birds and livestock, health officials are closely monitoring the situation — but for now, the public health risk remains low, according to the CDC.

This article first appeared on Virginia Mercury and is republished here with permission. Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence.