Avian Influenza type A (H5N1) is a virus commonly known as “Bird flu” that causes disease in birds and poultry. H5N1 is not a new virus, however, we are seeing more outbreaks in the U.S. in poultry, dairy cows, and humans. Since April 2024, more than 60 people in the U.S. have been confirmed to have bird flu, including one child. California has one of the highest numbers of human cases.
The risk of getting the bird flu is generally low. However, some people are more likely to be exposed, including:
Farmworkers who work with dairy cows, poultry
Hatchery workers, slaughterhouse workers, and those that handle raw dairy products
People with backyard flocks (chickens, ducks, turkey, etc.)
Veterinary, zoo, animal control, and other wildlife animal workers