The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention main focus on H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several cases of H5 in U.S. dairy workers.

While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.

CDC is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5N1 activity in people.

In Humans

4: Total Reported Human Cases in the United States since 2022.

3: following exposure to dairy cows (reported between April 1 and May 29.

1: following exposure to poultry reported on April 28, 2022

3: States with reported cases

Wild Birds

9,398: Birds detected as of June, 4

Poultry

96.8 million: Poultry affected as of June 15.

48: States with Poultry Outbreaks

Dairy Herds Affected

85: Heards as of June 9.

10: States with outbreaks in cows as of June 9, including one herd in North Carolina

Protective Actions for People

Protective actions around wild birds: Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible.

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.

Consuming Milk: People should not eat or drink raw milk or products made with raw milk. Choosing pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe.

Preparing food: It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. There are recommendations around products from other animals with H5N1 virus infections, including cattle and milk.

Traveling to other countries: CDC does not currently recommend any travel restrictions related to bird flu to countries affected by bird flu in birds, other animals or people.

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 influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection.