Information on Bird Flu

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Avian influenza or bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred. The links below offer more information about bird flu.

Bird Flu Basics

Health Care Guidance

Bird Flu Updates

Prevention

Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Between Pigs and People

Treatment

Influenza antiviral drugs can be used to treat influenza infections.

Virus Subtypes

Avian influenza A viruses H5, H7 and H9 are known to infect people.

What CDC Does

CDC works to improve global control and prevention of seasonal and novel influenza, including avian influenza viruses, and works to improve influenza pandemic preparedness and response.

CDC works to improve global control and prevention of seasonal and novel flu, including bird flu viruses, and works to improve flu pandemic preparedness and response.

Avian Influenza Communication Resources

CDC’s avian influenza (bird flu) materials are available to assist partners in communicating about bird flu prevention.

Learn More

Avian Flu Microsite

Wild aquatic birds - particularly certain wild ducks, geese, swans, gulls, shorebirds and terns - are the natural hosts for all known influenza type A viruses.

Add the most current avian influenza information to your website!

More Information

Page last reviewed: March 14, 2022

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)