H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary
Updated October 16, 2023
H5N1 Detections in USA
- Wild Birds: Widespread
- Poultry Flocks: Sporadic outbreaks
- Mammals: Sporadic infections
- People: 1 ‘case’ in U.S. after exposure to infected birds
- Person-to-person spread: None
- Current public health risk: Low
Spotlights
- Oct 12. 2023 Cambodia: Two Fatal Human Influenza A/H5N1 (Bird Flu) Virus Infections
- Oct 05. 2023 Technical Report: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses
- Sep 07. 2023 Reports of Avian Influenza (AI) “Bird Flu” Outbreaks Increased Globally from 2013–2022
- Jul 21. 2023 H5N1 Bird Flu Found in Polish Domestic Cats
This webpage will be updated on the second Wednesday of every month to reflect any new data.
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.
- Preparing foodIt is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. Learn more.
- Traveling to other countriesCDC does not currently recommend any travel restrictions related to bird flu to countries affected by bird flu in poultry or people. Learn more.
- If you have contact with infected birds and become sickLearn what to do if you have contact with infected birds 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 and bird flu viruses at the same time. Learn more.
Related Links
- H5N1 Bird Flu Technical Reports
- Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Timeline – 2020-2023
- Avian Influenza Communication Resources
- Avian Influenza: Information for Health Professionals and Laboratorians
- USDA: Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
- USDA: Defend the Flock Program
- USDA: Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in North America
