H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary
Updated April 17, 2024
H5N1 Detections in USA
- Wild Birds: Widespread
- Poultry Flocks: Sporadic outbreaks
- Mammals: Sporadic infections
- People: 2 cases in U.S.
- Person-to-person spread: None
- Current public health risk: Low
Spotlights
- Apr 12. 2024 Vietnam Reports First Human Infection with Avian Influenza H9N2 Virus
- Apr 05. 2024 Update: Human Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Texas
- Apr 05. 2024 CDC HAN: A(H5N1) Virus: Identification of Human Infection and Recommendations for Investigations and Response
- Apr 02. 2024 Technical Update: Summary Analysis of Genetic Sequences of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses in Texas
- Mar 29. 2024 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Animals: Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations
This webpage will be updated weekly on Wednesdays to reflect any new data. Data on wild birds have been collected since January 20, 2022. Data on poultry have been collected since February 8, 2022.
Protective Actions for People
- Protective actions around wild birdsAvoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible. Learn more.
- What to do if you find a dead birdAvoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died and call to report sick or dead birds. Learn more.
- Protective actions around other animals with H5N1 bird fluAvoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them. Learn more.
- Preparing foodIt is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. There are recommendations around products from other animals with H5N1 virus infections, including cattle and milk. Learn more.
- Traveling to other countriesCDC does not currently recommend any travel restrictions related to bird flu to countries affected by bird flu in birds, other animals or people. Learn more.
- If you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sickLearn what to do if you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick. Learn more.
- Clinician, laboratorian or public health workerVisit CDC’s avian influenza (bird flu) information for health professional and laboratorians webpage for the latest guidance. Learn more
- Get a seasonal flu vaccineSeasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection. Learn more.
Related Links
- Current H5N1 Bird Flu Situation in Mammals
- H5N1 Bird Flu Technical Reports
- Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Timeline – 2020-2024
- Avian Influenza Communication Resources
- Avian Influenza: Information for Health Professionals and Laboratorians
- USDA: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- USDA: Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
- USDA: Defend the Flock Program
- USDA: Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in North America