H5N1 (Bird Flu)

Status Update

Last Reviewed:  July 13, 2025

There are currently no active infections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in California poultry flocks. However, California dairy cattle herds are still affected by the H5N1 virus. In California, there have been 38 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans. In most cases, people who got sick worked with cows or poultry. The last human case reported in California was on January 14, 2025.

In Marin County, H5N1 has been found in wild birds, poultry, and wastewater—but not in local livestock or farm workers. In November 2024, a child in Marin got sick after drinking raw milk. The child tested positive for the Flu, but the tests couldn’t confirm whether it was bird flu or regular flu. This case was suspected to be a possible bird flu infection.

What is H5N1 Bird Flu?

H5N1 bird flu is a specific strain or type of influenza virus. H5N1 bird flu is also called highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). H5N1 bird flu can infect wild birds, poultry, and mammals such as cows. Human infections with H5N1 bird flu are rare; however, the spread of the virus may lead to mutations that increase its likelihood of infecting humans.

Public Health Recommendations 

CDC has indicated that the current risk to the general public from H5N1 bird flu is low. People should:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and after interacting with animals.
• Avoid unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, and other domesticated birds. Handling sick or dead animals safely requires the use of personal protective equipment and proper training.
• Do not drink or eat unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheese. Raw milk and cheese have not undergone a process called pasteurization, which kills disease-causing germs. The milk of cows infected with H5N1 carries live virus. For more information about how raw milk can make you sick, visit the CDPH Raw Milk web page.

Recommendations for Schools and Childcare

The current risk to the schools and childcare settings from H5N1 bird flu remains low. 

• Schools or Childcare facilities with backyard poultry should monitor for signs and symptoms of H5N1 in poultry. Please see the California Department of Public Health CDPH Bird Flu Webpage for information on symptoms of H5N1 in poultry and what to do if you identify a sick bird. 
• Supervise children around healthy birds (including chickens) and remind them not to kiss, snuggle, rub their eyes, or touch their nose or mouth while handling birds or bird feces.
• Tell children not to touch or handle a sick or dead bird. They should let an adult know, so that it can be reported​.
• In general, birds carry a lot of diseases besides bird flu. The best way to avoid getting sick is to ensure that children wash their hands with soap and water before and after being around any birds or bird droppings.

Recommendations for Agricultural Workers and Animal Care Providers

People who have job-related or recreational exposure to infected animals, including wild birds, poultry, and dairy cows, are at greater risk of being exposed to H5N1 bird flu. People at higher risk should:

• Follow all CalOSHA recommendations for worker protection to reduce the risk of infection
• Call your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms of illness. Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu can include red or watery eyes, cough, sore throat, and fever.

The California Department of Public Health has also created educational fliers for agricultural workers and animal care providers about H5N1 bird flu:

• Agricultural Workers: English / Spanish
• Wildlife and Animal Care Providers: English / Spanish

Reporting Sick Animals

• Community members with backyard poultry flocks should report an unusual number of sick or dead birds to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) at 1-866-922-BIRD (2473).
• Members of the public encountering dead or sick wildlife and birds in public, like at a park, should report that to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), not CDFA. Reporting form
• CDFW’s FAQ includes how to dispose of dead wildlife safely.

Additional Resources

• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Fact Sheet (California Department of Food and Agriculture)
• Avian Influenzas Updates (California Department of Food and Agriculture)
• Poultry Products Transportation (California Department of Food and Agriculture)
• Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (Food and Drug Administration)