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Can wild birds spread avian influenza to domestic poultry?

Wild birds can directly or indirectly spread avian influenza to domestic poultry. The indirect route is likely most common due to viral contamination of the farm environment (feed, equipment, boots, clothes).  The U.S. Department of Agriculture has found that farm-to-farm movement is also a major route for avian influenza spread, noting that farm biosecurity is critical to reduce the risk of avian influenza outbreaks. 

Learn more: USGS science on avian influenza

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Emperor Geese, central coast, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge

Can people get avian influenza?

While rare, human infections with avian influenza viruses have occurred. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) consider the risk to the general public from infections to be low. There have been human cases associated with the dairy cattle and wild bird strains of HPAI.  To date, most human cases have been associated with farm workers (poultry and dairy cattle operations) as well as people who have...
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Can people get avian influenza?

While rare, human infections with avian influenza viruses have occurred. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) consider the risk to the general public from infections to be low. There have been human cases associated with the dairy cattle and wild bird strains of HPAI.  To date, most human cases have been associated with farm workers (poultry and dairy cattle operations) as well as people who have...
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Female scientist looking through microscope.

How do scientists know if individual wild birds are infected with avian influenza?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture implements a plan every year to monitor wild birds for highly pathogenic avian influenza. This national plan could not be implemented without the engagement of State partners, the National Flyway Council, the Department of the Interior, and other agencies. This coordinated effort is revised annually based on new science and data shared through the Interagency...
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How do scientists know if individual wild birds are infected with avian influenza?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture implements a plan every year to monitor wild birds for highly pathogenic avian influenza. This national plan could not be implemented without the engagement of State partners, the National Flyway Council, the Department of the Interior, and other agencies. This coordinated effort is revised annually based on new science and data shared through the Interagency...
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Gulls using beach at the mouth of Kenai River during the personal use dipnet fishery for sockeye salmon.

What are the different types of avian influenza? What do the numbers next to H and N mean?

Avian influenza (AI) type A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: Hemagglutinin (HA), of which there are 16 subtypes (H1-H16). Neuraminidase (NA), of which there are 9 subtypes (N1-N9). Many combinations of HA and NA proteins are possible, for example H5N1, H5N2, H7N2, and H7N8. AI viruses are also classified into two groups based on their ability to...
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What are the different types of avian influenza? What do the numbers next to H and N mean?

Avian influenza (AI) type A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: Hemagglutinin (HA), of which there are 16 subtypes (H1-H16). Neuraminidase (NA), of which there are 9 subtypes (N1-N9). Many combinations of HA and NA proteins are possible, for example H5N1, H5N2, H7N2, and H7N8. AI viruses are also classified into two groups based on their ability to...
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Testing for Avian Influenza

What is Avian Influenza?

Avian influenza (AI) is caused by influenza type A viruses that historically have spread between wild birds (waterfowl and shorebirds) with occasional outbreaks in poultry (chickens, turkeys). These viruses can change over time and there has been a fundamental change with AI viruses now causing illness and death in wild birds, wild mammals, poultry, dairy cattle, cats, and people. Learn more...
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What is Avian Influenza?

Avian influenza (AI) is caused by influenza type A viruses that historically have spread between wild birds (waterfowl and shorebirds) with occasional outbreaks in poultry (chickens, turkeys). These viruses can change over time and there has been a fundamental change with AI viruses now causing illness and death in wild birds, wild mammals, poultry, dairy cattle, cats, and people. Learn more...
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A Kaua‘i Amakihi on koli‘i

Are birds the only species that is susceptible to West Nile Virus infection?

West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in at least 48 species of mosquitoes, over 320 species of birds, at least 2 species of reptiles, and more than 25 mammalian species, including horses and humans. Birds are the natural host and reservoir of WNV. Although other animals are susceptible to WNV infection, only birds develop a high enough virus load to transmit the infection to an uninfected...
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Are birds the only species that is susceptible to West Nile Virus infection?

West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in at least 48 species of mosquitoes, over 320 species of birds, at least 2 species of reptiles, and more than 25 mammalian species, including horses and humans. Birds are the natural host and reservoir of WNV. Although other animals are susceptible to WNV infection, only birds develop a high enough virus load to transmit the infection to an uninfected...
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Deer with Chronic Wasting Disease

What is chronic wasting disease?

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, neurological illness occurring in North American cervids (members of the deer family), including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. Since its discovery in 1967, CWD has spread geographically and increased in prevalence locally. CWD is contagious; it can be transmitted freely within and among cervid populations. No treatments or vaccines are...
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What is chronic wasting disease?

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, neurological illness occurring in North American cervids (members of the deer family), including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. Since its discovery in 1967, CWD has spread geographically and increased in prevalence locally. CWD is contagious; it can be transmitted freely within and among cervid populations. No treatments or vaccines are...
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Little brown bat with white-nose syndrome

What is White-nose Syndrome?

White-nose syndrome is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in at least 40 states and eight Canadian provinces have died from this devastating disease. The disease is named for the white fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that infects skin of...
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What is White-nose Syndrome?

White-nose syndrome is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in at least 40 states and eight Canadian provinces have died from this devastating disease. The disease is named for the white fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that infects skin of...
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Map showing current distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus detections in wild birds in the United States.
Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H5N1 in North America, 2021-2025
Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H5N1 in North America, 2021-2025
Map showing current distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus detections in wild birds in the United States.

Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H5N1 in North America, 2021-2025

Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H5N1 in North America, 2021-2025

Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H5N1 in wild birds the United States, by county, 2021-2025. Updated February 10, 2025.

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Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center
Map showing current distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus detections in wild birds in the United States.

Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H5N1 in North America, 2021-2025

Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H5N1 in North America, 2021-2025

Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H5N1 in wild birds the United States, by county, 2021-2025. Updated February 10, 2025.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center
Avian Influenza Transmission Risk Model Web Application Virtual Tour
Avian Influenza Transmission Risk Model Web Application Virtual Tour

Avian Influenza Transmission Risk Model Web Application Virtual Tour

Avian Influenza Transmission Risk Model Web Application Virtual Tour

The Avian Influenza Transmission Risk Model web application depicts the intricate connections between 16 layers of administrative, environmental, and economic data in an application that runs inside a web browser. To view and manipulate the full web application, please visit http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/ai.

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Communications and Publishing

Avian Influenza Transmission Risk Model Web Application Virtual Tour

Avian Influenza Transmission Risk Model Web Application Virtual Tour

The Avian Influenza Transmission Risk Model web application depicts the intricate connections between 16 layers of administrative, environmental, and economic data in an application that runs inside a web browser. To view and manipulate the full web application, please visit http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/ai.

By
Communications and Publishing
Visual History of Worldwide Avian Influenza Outbreaks
Visual History of Worldwide Avian Influenza Outbreaks

Visual History of Worldwide Avian Influenza Outbreaks

Visual History of Worldwide Avian Influenza Outbreaks

For more information on avian influenza, see http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/ai.

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Communications and Publishing

Visual History of Worldwide Avian Influenza Outbreaks

Visual History of Worldwide Avian Influenza Outbreaks

For more information on avian influenza, see http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/ai.

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Communications and Publishing
Image: USGS Avian Flu Research
USGS Avian Flu Research
USGS Avian Flu Research
Image: USGS Avian Flu Research

USGS Avian Flu Research

USGS Avian Flu Research

A biological technician of the USGS National Wildlife Health Center tests chicken eggs inoculated with a field sample from wild birds to detect the presence of avian influenza virus.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Image: USGS Avian Flu Research

USGS Avian Flu Research

USGS Avian Flu Research

A biological technician of the USGS National Wildlife Health Center tests chicken eggs inoculated with a field sample from wild birds to detect the presence of avian influenza virus.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Blue-winged teal in Texas with an inset that shows the avian influenza virus
Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus
Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus
Blue-winged teal in Texas with an inset that shows the avian influenza virus

Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus

Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus

Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus

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Alaska Science Center
Blue-winged teal in Texas with an inset that shows the avian influenza virus

Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus

Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus

Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus

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Alaska Science Center
PubTalk 10/2011 — Migratory Connectivity in a Changing Climate
PubTalk 10/2011 — Migratory Connectivity in a Changing Climate

PubTalk 10/2011 — Migratory Connectivity in a Changing Climate

PubTalk 10/2011 — Migratory Connectivity in a Changing Climate

by Susan Haig, Wildlife Ecologist

 

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Communications and Publishing, Public Lecture Series

PubTalk 10/2011 — Migratory Connectivity in a Changing Climate

PubTalk 10/2011 — Migratory Connectivity in a Changing Climate

by Susan Haig, Wildlife Ecologist

 

By
Communications and Publishing, Public Lecture Series
Image: Scientists prepare to release Forster’s Tern chicks following sampling for avian influenza study.
Releasing Forster’s Tern Chicks after Sampling for Avian Flu
Releasing Forster’s Tern Chicks after Sampling for Avian Flu
Image: Scientists prepare to release Forster’s Tern chicks following sampling for avian influenza study.

Releasing Forster’s Tern Chicks after Sampling for Avian Flu

Releasing Forster’s Tern Chicks after Sampling for Avian Flu

Scientists prepare to release Forster's Tern chicks following sampling for avian influenza study.

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Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary
Image: Scientists prepare to release Forster’s Tern chicks following sampling for avian influenza study.

Releasing Forster’s Tern Chicks after Sampling for Avian Flu

Releasing Forster’s Tern Chicks after Sampling for Avian Flu

Scientists prepare to release Forster's Tern chicks following sampling for avian influenza study.

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Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary
USGS CoreCast
USGS CoreCast Series
USGS CoreCast Series
You, Too, Can Track Avian Flu and Other Wildlife Diseases
You, Too, Can Track Avian Flu and Other Wildlife Diseases
USGS CoreCast
USGS CoreCast Series
USGS CoreCast Series

You, Too, Can Track Avian Flu and Other Wildlife Diseases

You, Too, Can Track Avian Flu and Other Wildlife Diseases

Want to stay on top of wildlife disease developments throughout the world? USGS scientists Josh Dein and Hon Ip, and USGS web content manager Cris Marsh tell us how with some great Web tracking tools.

By
Communications and Publishing
USGS CoreCast
USGS CoreCast Series
USGS CoreCast Series

You, Too, Can Track Avian Flu and Other Wildlife Diseases

You, Too, Can Track Avian Flu and Other Wildlife Diseases

Want to stay on top of wildlife disease developments throughout the world? USGS scientists Josh Dein and Hon Ip, and USGS web content manager Cris Marsh tell us how with some great Web tracking tools.

By
Communications and Publishing
Mallard duck being held by scientists with gloved hands while another scientist swabs duck's cloacal.
USGS biologists swab a hen mallard duck for avian influenza
USGS biologists swab a hen mallard duck for avian influenza
Mallard duck being held by scientists with gloved hands while another scientist swabs duck's cloacal.

USGS biologists swab a hen mallard duck for avian influenza

USGS biologists swab a hen mallard duck for avian influenza

USGS biologists swab a hen mallard duck for avian influenza in Rio Grande County, Colorado.

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Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center, Bird Banding Laboratory
Mallard duck being held by scientists with gloved hands while another scientist swabs duck's cloacal.

USGS biologists swab a hen mallard duck for avian influenza

USGS biologists swab a hen mallard duck for avian influenza

USGS biologists swab a hen mallard duck for avian influenza in Rio Grande County, Colorado.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center, Bird Banding Laboratory
Image: USGS Avian Flu Research
USGS Avian Flu Research
USGS Avian Flu Research
Image: USGS Avian Flu Research

USGS Avian Flu Research

USGS Avian Flu Research

USGS scientist Dede Goldberg swabs a pintail duck for avian influenza at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado.

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Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Image: USGS Avian Flu Research

USGS Avian Flu Research

USGS Avian Flu Research

USGS scientist Dede Goldberg swabs a pintail duck for avian influenza at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado.

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Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing

Risk of invasive waterfowl interaction with poultry production: Understanding potential for avian pathogen transmission via species distribution models

Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have devastated poultry production across the United States, with more than 77 million birds culled in 2022–2024 alone. Wild waterfowl, including various invasive species, host numerous pathogens, including highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), and have been implicated as catalysts of disease outbreaks among native fauna...
Authors
Reilly T. Jackson, Percival M. Marshall, Chris Burkhart, Julia Schneck, Grant Kelly, Caleb Powell Roberts
By
Cooperative Research Units

USGS highly pathogenic avian influenza research strategy

Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These viruses generally do not cause illness in wild birds, however, when spread to poultry they can be highly pathogenic and cause illness and death in backyard and commercial farms. Outbreaks may cause devastating agricultural economic losses and some viral strains have the potential...
Authors
M. Camille Harris, A. Keith Miles, John M. Pearce, Diann J. Prosser, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Mary E. Whalen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Alaska Science Center

USGS role and response to highly pathogenic avian influenza

Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These viruses generally do not cause illness in wild birds, however, when spread to poultry they can be highly pathogenic and cause illness and death in backyard and commercial farms. Outbreaks may cause devastating agricultural economic losses and some viral strains have the potential...
Authors
M. Camille Harris, A. Keith Miles, John M. Pearce, Diann J. Prosser, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Mary E. Whalen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Alaska Science Center

Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases

Welcome to a new version of the “Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases.” Unlike the previous printed versions of this publication, this new version is being developed as a “living“ electronic publication. Content will periodically be added and (or) updated as warranted, and it will always be reviewed by scientific experts (“peer reviewed”) before it is released. Thus, this publication will...
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Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Why bother about wildlife disease?

In most developed countries, the maintenance of the numbers of wildlife1 is vested in the natural resource agencies of those countries. During earlier times, game species were the primary focus of natural resource agencies2,3 however, current wildlife conservation continues to transition towards a more holistic focus on biodiversity4 and environmental health5,6. Nevertheless, that...
Authors
Milton Friend
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Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 2011 report of selected wildlife diseases

The National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) was founded in 1975 to provide technical assistance in identifying, controlling, and preventing wildlife losses from diseases, conduct research to understand the impact of diseases on wildlife populations, and devise methods to more effectively manage these disease threats. The impetus behind the creation of the NWHC was, in part, the...
Authors
David E. Green, Megan Hines, Robin E. Russell, Jonathan M. Sleeman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Surveillance plan for the early detection of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in migratory birds in the United States: surveillance year 2009

Executive Summary: This Surveillance Plan (Plan) describes plans for conducting surveillance of wild birds in the United States and its Territories and Freely-Associated States to provide for early detection of the introduction of the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) subtype of the influenza A virus by migratory birds during the 2009 surveillance year, spanning the period of...
Authors
Christopher J. Brand
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Disease emergence and resurgence—the wildlife-human connection

In 2000, the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) was organized as a global disease watchdog group to coordinate disease outbreak information and health crisis response. The World Health Organization (WHO) is the headquarters for this network. Understandably, the primary focus for WHO is human health. However, diseases such as the H5N1 avian influenza epizootic in Asian...
Authors
Milton Friend, James W. Hurley, Pauline Nol, Katherine Wesenberg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center
New publication highlight - Environmental surveillance and detection of viable highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Iowa wetland

New publication highlight - Environmental surveillance and detection of viable highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Iowa wetland

New publication alert!

Environmental surveillance and detection of viable highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Iowa wetland.

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Avian influenza research sheds light on possible routes of introduction to North America

Avian influenza research sheds light on possible routes of introduction to North America

Understanding how wild birds facilitate the maintenance, reassortment, and dispersal of influenza A viruses (IAV) is key to forecasting global disease...

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Avian Flu From Abroad Can Spread in North American Poultry, Wild Birds

Avian Flu From Abroad Can Spread in North American Poultry, Wild Birds

Some avian influenza, or bird flu, viruses that are able to enter North America from other continents through migrating birds can be deadly to poultry...

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Unusual Suspects: Diving Ducks and Avian influenza

Unusual Suspects: Diving Ducks and Avian influenza

Due to the global threat to health and human safety posed by avian influenza monitoring has been conducted in the United States to determine the...

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Avian Flu Testing of Wild Ducks Informs Biosecurity and Can Reduce Economic Loss

Avian Flu Testing of Wild Ducks Informs Biosecurity and Can Reduce Economic Loss

Ducks in North America can be carriers of avian influenza viruses similar to those found in a 2016 outbreak in Indiana that led to the losses of...

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Alaska Still a Likely Portal for Avian Influenza

Alaska Still a Likely Portal for Avian Influenza

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The U.S. Geological Survey released additional evidence that western Alaska remains a hot spot for avian influenza to enter North...

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USGS Statement Regarding Avian Flu Found in Washington State Green-Winged Teal

USGS Statement Regarding Avian Flu Found in Washington State Green-Winged Teal

Some media are reporting that the Asian H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza has now entered the United States. This is incorrect.
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Avian Flu in Seals Could Infect People

Avian Flu in Seals Could Infect People

The avian flu virus that caused widespread harbor seal deaths in 2011 can easily spread to and infect other mammals and potentially humans.

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Updated Date: March 4, 2025
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