The H5N1 avian flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with one recent human case in a U.S. dairy worker. While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.
Protecting Yourself from Infection
To protect yourself from infection, it is important to avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible. If you find a dead bird, avoid contact with it and call to report sick or dead birds. It is also important to avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them, and to take protective actions if you work with potentially infected dairy cattle.