Avian Flu- HPAI H5N1
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "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 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) strain of the H5N avian flu is currently spreading in the U.S. and is the same as the one spreading in Europe and Asia. Both wild birds and domestic poultry have been affected, along with some cases of the virus being found in wild mammals, such as mink, grizzly bears, sea lions, and otters.