Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Map of California counties with detections in wild birds.

California counties with detections in wild birds and domestic birds is available from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in North America, 2021/2022, maps available from the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Laboratory.

The official list of detections in wild birds and domestic birds in the United States is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Center for Disease Control states that the risk to the general public’s health from the current H5N1 viruses is low, however, some people may have job-related or recreational exposures to birds that put them at higher risk of infection (CDC 3/7/2022 update). For protective actions for human health, see the CDC website.

The virus is shed in bodily fluids such as respiratory droplets, saliva, and feces. Transmission may occur directly from bird to bird, or indirectly through people, animals, or objects contaminated with virus particles (e.g., rodents, insects, feathers, feed, water, clothing, footwear, vehicles).

While the risk of HPAI infection among backyard songbirds appears rare, feeding and providing water to wild birds is discouraged especially if backyard poultry or other captive birds are present (e.g., chickens, turkeys, peafowl, ducks, geese, pigeons, doves). Providing food and water to wild birds encourages birds of different species to come into closer and more prolonged contact with one another than is typical when they feed on natural food items. Increased concentration of wild birds at feeders and bird baths may lead to local contamination of the environment with fecal material, which may aid in disease transmission. Wild birds should be excluded from entering enclosures for domestic and pet birds, and food and water should not be shared between wild birds and domestic or pet birds.

If recreating outdoors in areas with large concentrations of waterfowl and other waterbirds, please take care to wash clothing and disinfect footwear and equipment before traveling to other areas or interacting with domestic or pet birds. Footwear and equipment may be washed with soap and water, then disinfected in household bleach diluted 1:10 with water for at least 10 minutes.

Please report dead wild birds to the WHL’s mortality reporting system.

Where it can be done so safely, dispose of dead birds to help reduce exposure to new birds and minimize scavenging by birds and mammals that also may be susceptible to infection. The CDC recommends using standard protective gear (e.g., impermeable gloves, a medical facemask, and eye protection), and to wash hands with soap and water after disposing of birds. It’s also recommended to change clothes before having contact with domestic or pet birds. Always use disposable gloves, inverted plastic bag and/or shovel to limit contact with the dead bird.

Disposal options may vary by city and county. For questions about dead animal disposal, please contact your county’s environmental health department.

• Incinerate: Carcass may be incinerated. Contact your local animal services agency. They may be able to dispose or incinerate carcasses. Services vary by location and there may be a charge.
• Burial: Carcass may be buried (3 feet minimum to prevent scavenging). Regulations vary by location.
• Landfill: Carcass may be double-bagged and placed in the regular garbage collection. Spray outer bag with 10% bleach solution. Regulations and landfill services vary by location.

Sick and dead poultry, domestic ducks, and pet birds may be reported to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) hotline at 1 (866) 922-2473. For guidance on keeping domestic birds healthy, please visit the CDFA and USDA websites.

Unfortunately, many birds that develop clinical infection with HPAI will die from the disease. There are no treatments or vaccinations available. Before transporting potentially sick 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. These animal facilities often have other wild birds or domestic birds in their facility and want to minimize the risk of introducing diseases into the facility. If the facility cannot take the bird, it should be left where it is. Do not bring potentially sick wild birds home or move sick birds to another location.

HUNTERS: Do not handle or consume sick game. Field dress and prepare game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wear rubber or other disposable gloves while handling and cleaning game. After handling game, wash hands with soap and water, and clean knives, equipment, and surfaces that came into contact with game. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling game. All game should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165˚F before consuming. See USDA’s guidance for hunters (PDF) for more information.

FALCONERS: Raptors can become infected with avian influenza viruses from feeding on an infected bird. As a precaution, falconers should avoid hunting wild waterfowl and other waterbirds during the HPAI outbreak. To protect the health of your bird, avoid contact with other captive or pet birds, poultry, free-ranging wild birds, and practice good biosecurity. Consult with a veterinarian if your bird shows signs of illness.

GAME BIRDS FACILITIES: Game birds such as turkeys, pheasants, chukar, and quails, may be susceptible to infection with HPAI. To protect the health of captive birds, practicing good biosecurity is essential. Game birds should not be allowed to mix with domestic poultry or waterfowl. Wild birds should be excluded from enclosures and should not be allowed to share food or water with captive game birds.

WILDLIFE REHABILIATORS: Develop a facility-specific plan to address biosecurity measures, intake protocols, and protection of ambassador animals. During an active outbreak, facilities may wish to consider restricting the admission of certain wild bird species.

Additional resources

• Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies wildlife rehabilitation guidance document (PDF)
• USDA protecting captive wild birds (PDF)
• University of Minnesota, The Raptor Center
• Zoo & Aquarium All Hazards Partnership HPAI Resources
• American Veterinary Medical Association guidance for veterinarians

The Environmental Protection Agency has a list approved disinfectants: Go to http://www.epa.gov and search “avian influenza disinfectants.”