Bird Flu

Avian influenza (flu) or bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian influenza type A viruses. These viruses spread naturally among wild water birds worldwide. They can also infect domestic poultry and other birds and animals. People rarely get bird flu. When they do, it's most often after unprotected contact (not wearing recommended personal protective equipment, PPE) with infected birds or other infected animals. 

Current H5 Bird Flu Outbreak in Animals 

Since January 2022, an H5 bird flu virus has been detected in U.S. wild birds. This has led to several outbreaks in domestic and backyard poultry flocks. In March 2024, the first outbreaks of H5 bird flu in dairy cows were reported in the United States. Infections in other animal species have also been reported. Compared to the number of infected animals, a relatively small number of human infections have also occurred. Human infections usually happen after a person has had lengthy close contact with an infected animal. Most people with H5 bird flu infections in the U.S. have had mild illness. Currently, there is no evidence that H5 bird flu is spreading from one person to another. 

The current risk of H5 bird flu infection is low for the public. However, people with job-related or recreational exposures to birds or other H5 virus-infected animals are at increased risk and should take precautions to protect against bird flu. 

H5 bird flu has not been detected in people or dairy cattle in Virginia. On April 4, 2025, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) released information about the first known case in a mammal in the Commonwealth. Preliminary testing indicates that a red fox from Loudoun County was infected with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The full DWR press release can be found here. 

• Wash your hands after touching birds and animals, especially at zoos and
  agricultural fairs.
• Don’t drink raw milk or eat products made with raw milk.
  • This is important for you and your pets. Pets can get sick from foods made
    with raw milk and other raw ingredients.
  • Bird flu virus can be in the milk of infected animals, such as cow’s milk.
  • Pasteurization kills disease-causing germs by heating milk to a high enough
    temperature.
  • Consuming raw, unpasteurized milk and raw dairy products can lead to
    serious health risks.
• Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and other animals.
  Get your seasonal flu vaccination.
• Seasonal flu vaccines do not provide protection against bird flu viruses but
  can reduce the risk of getting sick with human flu viruses and thus the risk for
  seasonal and bird flu co-infections (increasing the risk of illness severity and
  increasing the risk of virus mutations).

If you experience symptoms of bird flu after exposure to birds, animals, or contaminated
environments, contact a healthcare provider right away.

Visit VDH's website for more information on bird flu.

People with exposure to infected birds, livestock, or other animals have a greater risk of influenza A virus infection, including H5 bird flu.  These include poultry and dairy farm workers, hunters, backyard or hobbyist flock owners, wildlife rehabilitators, and fair exhibitors. 

For more information related to these groups, click here.