One Health Heroes: Flea-Borne Typhus in Los Angeles, Raw Milk Cheese and E. coli, Update on Bird Flu and New World Screwworm

In this episode of One Health Heroes, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communications specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians, joins us to deliver important One Health updates. Avian influenza remains an ongoing global concern, with millions of birds affected and increasing spillover into vulnerable marine mammal populations along the California coast. While New World Screwworm has not yet crossed into the U.S., cases continue to rise just south of the border, prompting updated national response plans and new treatment options. The episode also explores an active E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese, highlighting the complexities of foodborne illness investigations and delayed detection. Closer to home, a surge in flea-borne typhus cases in Los Angeles underscores how everyday parasites can pose serious human health risks. Together, these stories reinforce how interconnected human, animal, and environmental health truly are, and why vigilance matters.

Key Takeaways:

• 5 million birds affected by avian flu in 30 days and marine mammals are still impacted
• Screwworm nearing U.S. border. The USDA has released a new response playbook and new treatment options area available for companion animals, equine, and small ruminant animals. 
• Raw cheese E. coli outbreak has led to severe illness and involves a complex tracing process.
• Flea-borne typhus reached an all time high in LA in 2025 with ~90% of cases requiring hospitalization.
• Flea prevention protects pets and people (true One Health issue)

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