What to know
- H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry 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 H5 bird flu activity in people.
Current situation
Cumulative surveillance (since 2022)
Humans
Total Reported Human Cases in the United States: 17 (since 2022)
6 following exposure to dairy cows (reported between 4/1/2022 and 10/3/2024) | Full Report
10 following exposure to poultry (reported between 4/28/2022 and 7/25/2024) | Full Report
1 with no immediately known animal exposure (reported on 9/6/2024) | Full Report
States with Reported Case(s): 5
*10 of the 17 H5 human cases reported in the US have been confirmed as H5N1.
H5 Monitoring in People
CDC influenza (flu) surveillance systems show no indicators of unusual influenza activity in people, including avian influenza A(H5).
National flu surveillance (since February 25, 2024)
Targeted H5 surveillance (since March 24, 2024)
H5 Bird Flu Detections in USA
- Dairy cattle: Ongoing multi-state outbreak
- Wild Birds: Widespread
- Poultry Flocks: Sporadic outbreaks
- Mammals: Sporadic infections
- Person-to-person spread: None
- Current public health risk: Low
Protective Actions for People
- Protective actions around wild birds Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible. Learn more.
- What to do if you find a dead bird Avoid 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 flu Avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them. Learn more.
- Protective actions if you work with potentially infected dairy cattle Avoid unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure with cattle and materials potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with HPAI A(H5) virus. Learn more.
- Consuming Milk People 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 food It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. There are recommendations around products from other animals with H5 virus infections, including cattle and milk. Learn more.
- Traveling to other countries CDC 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 sick Learn what to do if you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick. Learn more.
- Clinicians can visit CDC's avian influenza (bird flu) information for health professionals for the latest guidance. Learn more.
- Public health professionals and laboratorians can visit CDC's avian influenza (bird flu) information for public health partners for the latest guidance. Learn more.
- Get a seasonal flu vaccine Seasonal 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.