Avian Flu (Bird Flu)
Current Situation
Current Risk: Low
The current risk to the general public from avian flu is low.
What You Need to Know
- Avian flu (bird flu) spreads in wild aquatic birds worldwide. It can infect poultry, dairy cows, other birds and some mammals.
- People can get avian flu, but this is rare. People at higher risk include farmworkers, bird hunters and people who visit farms, fairs or animal exhibits.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture tracks detections in commercial and backyard flocks, wild birds, livestock and mammals. Avian flu has been detected in 19 species of mammals since 2022.
Detections in NC
The NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services shares regular updates on avian influenza detections in North Carolina.
Visit NC Agriculture's Avian Flu website