Influenza A H5N1 detected in dairy cows in 6 states in the U.S.

Avian Influenza

• Bird flu or avian influenza is a disease caused by avian influenza Type A viruses found naturally in wild birds worldwide.

• Avian Influenza type A viruses are classified based on two proteins on their surfaces – Hemagglutinin(HA) and Neuraminidase(NA).

• The virus can infect mammals from birds, a phenomenon called spillover, and rarely can spread between mammals.

• Recent reports of H5N1 spread between mammals raise concerns about its potential to cause a human pandemic if it were to spill over and become transmissible among humans.

• In February 2024, the virus stormed through mainland Antarctica.

Symptoms in humans range from mild to severe influenza-like illnesses such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting.