Here, eggs sit on a supermarket shelf in San Mateo County, Calif. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images. This happens when multiple strains of the virus circulating in the bird population exchange genes to create a new strain of the virus, much as new strains of COVID-19 like omicron and delta have emerged during the ongoing pandemic. There are ongoing outbreaks of HPAI in wild birds in Asia, Europe and Africa. Some strains, like the version of H5N1 that is currently spreading, are frequently. Some research indicates that detection of HPAI viruses in wild birds has become more common. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. However, outbreaks in domestic commercial and backyard poultry flocks, in addition to infections in wild birds and some mammals, might place some groups of people, who may have job-related or recreational exposures to birds, at higher risk of infection. The USDA recommends cooking eggs and poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 Celsius). Bird influenza viruses, such as H5N1, use a version called a2,3-linked sialic acid, while human flu viruses use a2,6-linked sialic acid the predominant variant in the human upper respiratory tract. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Farms there are likely to be more vulnerable. Mario Tama/Getty Images According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) has led to over 23 million bird deaths in 24 states. Peru decreed a 90-day health emergency in December 2022 after more than 13,000 pelicans died on its beaches, possibly infected with H5N1. The US is currently experiencing its worst-ever outbreak of bird flu, also known as avian influenza and a new study has found that the strain could become endemic in the country. USDA ERS - Chart Detail Avian flu outbreak in the Gambia threatens birds on East Atlantic They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. You can review and change the way we collect information below. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious virus that affects all birds. It has ravaged farm flocks and chicken yards in 46 states since February, when the first cases were reported in commercial flocks. Many people are concerned about the 2022-2023 outbreak of avian influenza, or bird flu, that is affecting domestic poultry, waterfowl, raptors, and some shorebirds in the U.S. and Canada. A new deadly bird flu is infecting wild birds and may not go away - NPR And while the risk of the virus spilling over into humans remains low, scientists say communities will feel the consequences of such a serious and lengthy outbreak for months to come.