Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Latest news and downloads from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA):

What is H5N1?

H5N1, or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious disease which is often fatal to birds and other animals. We are urging poultry owners to increase their biosecurity practices. Biosecurity is the measures taken to prevent disease from entering and/or leaving a premises or location. Although this outbreak of avian influenza is primarily being spread by wild birds, the virus can be further spread between domestic flocks through contact with infected livestock, from contaminated equipment, and even the shoes and clothing worn by livestock caretakers.

Detections of H5N1 continue to be found in both domestic and wild birds nationally. In November 2024, there were 27 domestic flocks (23 commercial, 4 backyard) that were affected in California. Dairies, wild waterfowl, and raptors remain the largest threats of H5N1 introduction to domestic poultry in California. The risk of disease entering domestic poultry flocks is always present. Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks and wild bird carrier exposure.

Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibition Ban at Fairs and Shows

The California State Veterinarian has placed a ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows until further notice. This decision was made to protect the remaining unaffected herds and flocks across California with the rise of continued detections of the H5N1 virus. This ban addresses the highest risk bird species related to avian influenza – chickens, turkeys, ducks, and upland game birds (e.g. pheasants and chukars).

Help reduce the spread of HPAI:

Identify sick birds. USDA has a list of symptoms here .
Report dead wild birds to CDFW using the mortality reporting form. While it is not possible to test every wild bird for HPAI, all mortality reports are important and help disease specialists monitor the outbreak.
Report sick and dead poultry to the CDFA hotline at (886) 922-2473.
Prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds, especially waterfowl.
Exclude wild birds from accessing chicken or other domestic bird feed and water.
Do not bring potentially sick wild birds home or move sick birds to another location.
Obtain permits to move poultry/poultry products from a control area.
Before transporting potentially sick wild birds to wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics or other animal facilities, contact the facility for guidance and to determine if the bird should be collected.
If recreating outdoors in areas with large concentrations of waterfowl and other waterbirds, wash clothing and disinfect footwear and equipment before traveling to other areas or interacting with domestic birds.
Where it can be done so safely, consider disposing of dead birds to help reduce exposure to new birds and minimize scavenging by birds and mammals that also may be susceptible to infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the risk to the public from bird flu outbreaks is low; however, because other bird flu viruses have infected people, it is possible that human infections with these viruses could occur. As a general precaution, the CDC recommends limiting contact with wild birds and sick or dead poultry or other livestock. If there is a need to dispose of a dead bird, wear impermeable gloves or a plastic bag turned inside-out to collect the remains into a plastic garbage bag, which may then be placed in the regular trash collection. Afterwards, wash hands with soap and water and change clothing before having contact with domestic poultry or pet birds. If assistance or guidance is needed with the disposal of dead birds on private property, contact your county environmental health department or animal services for options available in your area.

For more information on HPAI H5N1, check out CDFW’s informational flyer addressing frequently asked questions and links to additional resources. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains the official list of HPAI H5N1 detections on its website. For guidance on keeping domestic birds healthy, please visit the CDFA and USDA websites.