En Español: Para obtener información sobre la influenza aviar en Español, visite nuestra página de gripe aviar.

Current Bird Flu Situation

The current risk to the public remains low.
No person-to-person spread of bird flu has been detected in California.
People rarely get bird flu, but those who interact with infected dairy cows, poultry, or wildlife have a greater risk of infection.
Pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe to consume. Pasteurization inactivates the bird flu virus.
CDPH is working to protect public health related to bird flu. We monitor infection data, evolving science, and the people affected. Our knowledge will change as we learn more. We are committed to reducing the impact to those at highest risk.

Human Cases in California

Confirmed Human Cases
38

The last human case reported in California was on January 14, 2025.

California has 1 additional probable case with dairy cow exposure that meets the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) probable case definition (PDF). That case tested positive by a local lab and confirmatory testing at CDC was negative.

Confirmed human case summary during the 2024 outbreak, by exposure source.

Cattle	Poultry	Unknown	Total
36	0	2	38

Contact Us

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, submit an inquiry.

If you’re a member of the media and have a question for CDPH, email Media@cdph.ca.gov.

California’s Response

On December 18, 2024, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to strengthen California's robust response to bird flu.
CDPH is working with local, state and federal partners to monitor bird flu in farm animals and people who work closely with poultry and dairy cows.
California has distributed protective gear to dairy farms and workers. People who work with infected dairy cows or raw milk should use protective gear to reduce the risk of getting bird flu.
Public health leaders are helping ensure individuals with symptoms of bird flu have access to testing and treatment, if needed.
California has received 5,000 additional seasonal flu vaccines for people who work with dairy cows in the Central Valley. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against serious illness from seasonal flu and may reduce the chance of human and bird flu viruses mixing and becoming more dangerous.
Updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Visit MyTurn to schedule a vaccine appointment or get tested for Bird Flu.

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza A (H5N1) or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is caused by a virus that can cause serious illness and death in birds and mammals. Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare, but they can happen when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, mouth, or when inhaled.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?

Eye redness or discharge
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Trouble breathing
Fever (100°F or higher)
Pneumonia
Seizures

Symptoms can be serious and lead to death.

Who is at higher risk of getting bird flu?

People who work with or are around animals infected with bird flu or raw milk are at higher risk. This includes any contact with animal fluids, feces, feathers, or their environments.

Those at higher risk include:

Farmworkers who:

Work with dairy cows
Work with poultry
Handle raw dairy products
Work in slaughterhouses
Work in hatcheries

Wildlife Workers

Wildlife rehabilitation center staff and volunteers
Pest management and animal removal personnel
Animal control officers and shelter staff
Zoo staff and volunteers

Other groups

Slaughterhouse workers
Rendering plant workers
Live bird market workers
Veterinary clinic staff
Persons with sick backyard flocks

Wildlife workers, please see Bird Flu: Working with Wildlife (PDF, 2.3MB) for more information.

How does bird flu spread?

It spreads from sick cows, birds, or other infected animals to people by:

Breathing in dust or droplets with the virus.
Splashing raw milk from an infected cow in your eyes, nose or mouth.
Touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands after:

Touching raw milk, cow or bird feces, or other contaminated items or surfaces.
Handling sick or dead animals infected with the virus.

Drinking raw milk.

Bird flu spreads from cows through contact with infected materials, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

How do I avoid getting bird flu?

Avoid contact with infected animals.  Avoid direct contact with birds and other animals that could be infected with bird flu. Wild birds can be infected with bird flu even if they don't look sick.
Get the seasonal flu vaccine. CDPH recommends that all Californians, especially workers at risk for exposure to bird flu, receive a seasonal flu vaccine. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against bird flu, getting vaccinated can lower the risk of being infected with both seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time. Getting vaccinated also reduces the chance of severe illness from seasonal flu.
Only consume pasteurized dairy products. The bird flu virus can be present in raw, unpasteurized milk. Unpasteurized milk may contain other germs that can make you sick. Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products. Pasteurized milk and dairy foods are safe to eat.
Cook poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F. There is no evidence that humans can get bird flu through properly prepared poultry and eggs cooked to the correct temperature. The chance of infected poultry or eggs entering the retail market is low. There are safeguards like testing of flocks and federal inspection programs. This makes it unlikely an infected bird or eggs from an infected bird will reach consumers.

How do I protect myself?

If you must have contact with birds, cows, cats, other animals or their environments, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) and take extra precautions.

This includes:

Wearing PPE

Goggles or face shield
NIOSH® approved respirator
Gloves
Coveralls
Head cover
Boots

Working outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor environments.
Washing your hands after contact with animals or their environments and before taking breaks or eating/drinking.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoiding kissing or putting birds, or other animals suspected to have bird flu near face.
Wearing dedicated work clothing and footwear and washing them to keep on-site if possible.
Changing clothes and footwear and showering after work.
Monitor yourself and family members for signs of influenza-like illness for 10 days after last contact with an ill animal. Report any illness to your health care provider.

See Worker Protection from Bird Flu (PDF, 1.9MB) for more information.

What if I have symptoms of bird flu?

Tell your employer right away.
Contact your local public health department right away to arrange for testing and treatment. Tell them you may have been exposed to bird flu.

When testing, you may get a few swabs taken. If you have an eye infection, an eye swab may be taken. In exposed persons with eye infections, eye swabs are most likely to detect bird flu.

For information about worker rights, such as workers compensation or paid sick leave, visit CalOSHA's What Workers Need to Know About Bird Flu.

See Guidance for People with Possible or Confirmed Bird Flu Infection for specific information about what to do if you have symptoms of bird flu.

Bird Flu in Animals

For more information on bird flu in poultry and cattle, refer to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Animal Health Branch website. Other resources include the American Veterinary Medical Association’s webpage Avian Influenza in Pets and Backyard Flocks and CDC’s What Causes Bird Flu in Pets and Other Animals.

How could my pet or other animals get bird flu and what are the signs and symptoms?

Most bird flu infections in California animals have been found in poultry, such as chickens, turkeys and geese. Since September 2024, bird flu has been detected in dairy cow herds in the California. Dogs, cats, and other pets may become infected with bird flu from hunting, eating, or coming into contact with wild birds or poultry or their environments. Pets or other animals can also contract bird flu from drinking raw milk or eating other raw pet food or dairy products. Pets, other animals, chickens and other birds may become infected from something in their environment, such as droppings from infected wild birds and rodents or bird flu virus on tainted items such as clothing. Cats seem to be more likely to get bird flu viruses. Cats from multiple states have become very ill and died from bird flu.

Signs of infection in poultry, backyard flocks and pet birds may include:

Sudden death with no prior signs
Low energy or appetite
Purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts
Reduced egg production or soft-shelled/misshapen eggs
Nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing
Lack of coordination
Diarrhea

Signs of infection in dairy cows may include:

Reduced milk production
Thicker, concentrated, colostrum‐like milk
A decrease in feed consumption
Abnormal, tacky or loose feces
Lethargy
Dehydration
Fever

Signs of infection in cats and dogs may include:

Neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness
Difficulty breathing
Fever
Lethargy
Low appetite
Reddened or inflamed eyes
Discharge from the eyes and nose

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any signs of bird flu in your pets or other animals. To date, there have been no confirmed or suspected cases of bird flu in dogs.

Call the California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch's sick bird hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473) if you have sick birds.

How can I protect my pet or other animals?

In regions experiencing outbreaks, you are encouraged to stay informed about where bird flu is occurring. Taking precautions can help stop the virus from spreading.

Backyard flocks and pet birds:

Bring pet birds indoors or ensure areas where backyard birds are kept are fully enclosed, away from wild birds and their droppings.
Keep feed, drinking water, equipment, and other supplies secure and out of reach of wild birds or rodents.
Avoid visits to places where other birds are kept.
Know the signs of bird flu and immediately report any suspected infections to your veterinarian or state animal health official.
Do not touch sick or dead birds without PPE.
Call your veterinarian before bringing in your bird(s).

Cats and dogs:

Keep cats indoors.
Keep pets that do go outdoors away from wild birds, poultry, and cattle and their environments.
Prevent pets from eating dead birds or other animals.
Avoid feeding pets raw meat or poultry and unpasteurized (raw) milk dairy products.

Which wildlife are most frequently infected with bird flu?

Most bird flu infections in California wildlife have been found in waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. Birds (raptors, scavengers) and mammals that share environments with and feed on infected birds can become infected with the virus. Wild mammals infected with bird flu in California include mountain lions, raccoons, fishers, skunks and bobcats. Most infections in wildlife have been detected in the fall season when migratory birds pass through California.

Signs of infection in wild birds may include:

Sudden or unexpected death
Lack of coordination or unsteady walking
Swimming or walking in circles
Head ticks, tremors, and/or seizures
Abnormal positioning of head or neck

Signs of infection in wild mammals may include:

Sudden or unexpected death
Circling
Tremors and/or seizures
Lack of coordination or unsteady walking
Excessive drooling
Repeated opening and closing of mouth
Difficulty breathing

What do you do if you see a sick or dead animal that might have bird flu?

Stay away from the animal, if possible. If you must handle the animal, use the appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent exposure.
Tell your employer and your organization's veterinarian.
Report dead birds and mammals to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Wildlife Mortality Reporting website.

Bird Flu in California

CDPH has been closely monitoring the bird flu situation in both animals and humans since the state's first detection in poultry in 2022.
CDPH has provided PPE for dairy farm workers and others handling raw dairy products, as well as slaughterhouse and poultry farm workers.

Resources

CDPH

Cal/OSHA

CDFA

UC Davis

Bird Flu Employer Checklist (PDF)

National Center for Farmworker Health

Bird Flu Response

CDC

USDA

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