Transmission:
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or avian flu or bird flu, is a disease caused by infection with avian Type A viruses.
This virus spreads naturally among wild aquatic birds via the fecal-oral route, but it can infect other birds, such as poultry and other animals. While HPAI can infect humans via direct contact (e.g., touching eyes, mouth, etc., with contaminated hands) and/or the respiratory route, it is rare. The transmission route is from a wild or domestic bird that may or may not have clinical signs to other birds and dairy cows nearby. Cow-to-cow spread is possible, but the specific transmission methods have not yet been determined. As of April 1, 2024, APHIS confirmed HPAI in dairy herds in Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, Idaho, and New Mexico, and the CDC confirmed HPAI in one dairy farm worker