Avian influenza (bird flu)
Stay informed about this evolving disease
Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is an infection caused by the H5N1 influenza A Virus. This virus can spread in birds, cows and other mammals. Humans can catch bird flu from infected animals, but it is not currently spreading from person to person.
The Health Observatory at ASU, in partnership with TGen North, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University, is keeping track of the spread of bird flu.
The Health Observatory at ASU and its partners are monitoring which animals and people become infected, where infections are happening and the severity of illness. This helps the Health Observatory make better predictions about potential changes in the virus and provide guidance to lower the risk of catching bird flu.
Bird flu history and timeline
See how bird flu is spreading and changing and what the Arizona research community is doing in response.
Critical updates
The bird flu virus has the potential to become a more serious threat as it spreads.
See the latest updates about bird flu to stay informed.
- April 18th, 2025: Explainer article published in ASU News. Bird flu: Your questions on symptoms, spread and safety answered.
- March 19th, 2025: CDC risk assessment of bird flu updated to moderate to high for populations exposed to potential infected animals.
- February 14th, 2025: The Arizona Department of Agriculture’s dairy farm milk testing identified the first incidence of bird flu in Arizona cattle.
- May 30th, 2025: Hickman’s Family Farm loses 95% of Arizona chickens to bird flu. “Swabs were sent to the University of Arizona for analysis, and bird flu was detected.”
- July 22nd, 2025: Worried about bird flu? Here’s what to know. “An interview on how bird flu is spreading and its impact on humans”
How to protect yourself from the bird flu
Avian flu infections are rare in humans, and the risk to the general public remains low. At this time, there is no evidence that avian flu can spread easily from human to human. People who come in contact with infected animals are at greatest risk of infection.
Avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals. Your risk of exposure increases if you work on or near poultry and cattle farms. Wear personal protective equipment if your exposure risk is high. Your risk is even higher where there is recent evidence of bird flu spread in the area. Do not consume unpasteurized or raw dairy products.
The most common symptom is eye redness and irritation, also called conjunctivitis or pink eye. People can also experience typical flu-like symptoms, which are usually mild. In rare cases, people can have severe symptoms such as high fever or shortness of breath.
If you think you have been infected, contact your health care provider. Inform them of your possible exposure and concern about being infected with bird flu.
Arizona public health, animal health, academic and nonprofit partners are working together to conduct surveillance for bird flu in people, animals and the environment. You can help by reporting sick or dead wild birds and mammals to the Arizona Game and Fish Department hotline at 623-236-7201.
Want to know more about bird flu?
See how bird flu is spreading and changing and what the Arizona research community is doing in response.