Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

As part of influenza (flu) surveillance efforts, public health monitors the occurrence of novel influenza A virus. These unique types of influenza A virus can cause human infection but differ from seasonal influenza A viruses spreading among people.

Novel influenza viruses can originate in animals where they gain the ability to infect and spread to or among humans. They can also originate from a human flu virus that changes significantly from the current seasonal flu A viruses.

Avian influenza or “bird flu” normally circulates in wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Avian influenza viruses that have infected people are considered to be novel influenza A viruses.

In recent years, CDC has been monitoring H5 bird flu, a specific type of novel influenza A, that has been spreading worldwide in wild birds and causing sporadic outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy cows.

  • In addition to spreading to an increasing number of mammals, H5 bird flu has caused some rare human infections. See the CDC H5 Bird Flu Surveillance webpage for the most current information.
  • People with job-related or recreational exposure to birds or other H5 virus-infected animals are at greater risk of infection.

H5N1 bird flu has been detected in birds in Virginia (H5 Bird Flu Response in Virginia). There have been no reports of H5 bird flu infections in people or cattle in Virginia.

The current public health risk for H5 bird flu is LOW.

Arlington Public Health, as part of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), continues to monitor the situation carefully.

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