H5 Bird Flu Response in Virginia

Update

When H5 bird flu is detected in birds that may have been in contact with people in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) conducts a public health response to complement the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' (VDACS) animal health response. Detections of H5 bird flu in birds are expected as the bird flu virus is currently widely circulating in the environment.   

At this time, there are no reports of H5 bird flu infections in people or cattle in Virginia.  

Examples of some recent animal health responses that VDH supported include:  

  • On January 16, VDACS announced that testing of a commercial poultry flock in Accomack County returned presumptive positive results for H5 bird flu. 
  • On January 20, the Metro Richmond Zoo announced H5 bird flu detections in two deceased cranes. 

Bird flu can spread from infected birds and other animals to people. The current public health risk in the United States is low for H5 bird flu. People with job-related or recreational exposure to birds or similar animals are at greater risk of infection. VDH coordinates with state and federal partners and the affected facility. VDH monitors the health of people who may have had exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: February 5, 2025