Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1)
What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1)?
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.
H5N1 is not a novel infectious disease; it has been present since its first identification in 1996.
For the latest information please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm
News
AVIAN INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN THREE CALIFORNIA DAIRY HERDS
Three Central Valley farms quarantined; no human cases detected; no threat to the milk or food supply
Resources
While rare, mammals can be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) (“H5N1 bird flu”) viruses. Reports of these sporadic infections in mammals have occurred globally amid widespread outbreaks of bird flu infections in wild birds and poultry. Mammals can be infected with H5N1 bird flu viruses when they eat infected birds, poultry, or other animals and/or if they are exposed to environments contaminated with virus. Spread of H5N1 bird flu viruses from mammal to mammal is thought to be rare, but possible.
For the latest information please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html
The wide geographic spread of HPAI A(H5N1) viruses in wild birds, poultry, and some other mammals, including in cows, could create additional opportunities for people to be exposed to these viruses. Therefore, there could be an increase in sporadic human infections resulting from bird and animal exposures, even if the risk of these viruses spreading from birds to people has not increased. CDC believes the current risk to the general public from bird flu viruses is low. People who have job-related or recreational exposure to infected birds or animals, including cows, are at greater risk of contracting HPAI A(H5N1) virus. CDC has recommendations related to testing, treatment of HPAI A(H5N1) infection and prevention of exposure to these viruses.
For the latest information please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/hpai/hpai-interim-recommendations.html
For the latest information please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/inhumans.html
Information about HPAI in dairy cattle is an evolving, fluid situation with ongoing research and policy development. Please check back frequently as the information below will be updated as it becomes available.
- CDFA Dairy Cattle Import Order: Bovine Associated Influenza A (H5N1) Syndrome Entry Requirements for Importing Dairy Breed Cattle from Affected states (4/4/2024)
- What to Expect if You Suspect HPAI in Your Herd (5/16/2024)
- Surveillance Testing for Dairy Cattle (5/21/2024)
- https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/Animal_Health/HPAI.html
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Heat Situations
Please check back frequently as the information below will be updated as it becomes available.
HPAI Confirmed Detections Dashboard
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. (2023). Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Commercial and Backyard Flocks Dashboard. Retrieved May 31, 2024, from: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks