HPAI H5N1 (Avian Influenza)
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Explore this page for HPAI H5N1 (Avian Influenza) information, resources, updates, situational reports, news, and published papers.
About 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 H5N1 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 cases of the virus being found in wild mammals, such as cows, foxes, mink, skunks, bears, sea lions, and otters. Few cases of H5N1 in cats have also been reported.
The CDC further explains "the wide geographic spread of A(H5N1) bird flu viruses in wild birds, poultry, and some other mammals, including in cows, is creating additional opportunities for people to be exposed to these viruses. Therefore, there could be an increase in sporadic human infections resulting from bird, cattle, and other animal exposures, even if the risk of these viruses spreading to people has not increased. Sporadic human infections in the current context would not significantly change CDC’s risk assessment."
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Data was sourced and imported from FAO EMPRES, USDA APHIS, WAHIS, and open source news reports beginning in late 2022 to current.
