H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary

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Updated December 27, 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

Dec 29. 2023 Technical Report: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses
Oct 27. 2023 Technical Report: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses
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

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 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.
Preparing food
It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. 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 poultry or people. Learn more.
If you have contact with infected birds and become sick
Learn what to do if you have contact with infected birds and become sick. Learn more.
Clinician, laboratorian or public health worker
Visit CDC’s avian influenza (bird flu) information for health professional and laboratorians webpage 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 and bird flu viruses at the same time. Learn more.