H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary
Updated May 24, 2024
- H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with two cases of H5 in U.S. dairy workers.
- While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.
- CDC is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5N1 activity in people.
H5N1 Detections in USA
- Dairy Cows: Ongoing multi-state outbreak
- Wild Birds: Widespread
- Poultry Flocks: Sporadic outbreaks
- Mammals: Sporadic infections
- People: 3 cases in U.S.
- Person-to-person spread: None
- Current public health risk: Low
Humans
- Total Reported Human Cases in the United States: 3 (since 2022)
- 2 following exposure to dairy cows (reported on 4/01/2024 and 5/22/2024 | Full Report >
- 1 following exposure to poultry (reported on 4/28/2022) | Full Report >
- States with Reported Case(s): 3
This webpage will be updated daily, Monday through Friday, after 4 p.m. to reflect any new data.
Cumulative data on wild birds have been collected since January 20, 2022. Cumulative data on poultry have been collected since February 8, 2022. Cumulative data on humans in the U.S. have been collected since April 28, 2022. Cumulative data on dairy cattle have been collected since March 25, 2024.
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.
- Protective actions if you work with potentially infected dairy cowsAvoid unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure with cows and materials potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with HPAI A(H5N1) virus. Learn more.
- Consuming MilkPeople should not eat or drink raw milk or products made with raw milk. Choosing pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe. 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.
Spotlights
- May 24. 2024 Technical Update: Summary Analysis of the Genetic Sequence of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Identified in a Human in Michigan
- May 24. 2024 CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update May 24, 2024
- May 22. 2024 CDC Reports Second Human Case of H5 Bird Flu Tied to Dairy Cow Outbreak
- May 17. 2024 CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update May 17, 2024
- May 10. 2024 CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update
Related Links
- Key Public Health Prevention Recommendations for HPAI A(H5N1) | Fact Sheet [154 KB, 2 pages]
- Transmission of Avian Influenza A Viruses Between Animals and People
- Current H5N1 Bird Flu Situation in Cattle
- 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