Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Avian influenza, or “bird flu”, is a contagious viral disease that occurs naturally in birds. The disease varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected.

What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also referred to as H5N1, is a virus found among various species of birds. It is highly contagious among domestic poultry and has a mortality rate of nearly 100%. It can infect domestic poultry, including chickens, turkeys, quail, geese, ducks, pheasants, and guinea fowl.

The virus also infects a wide variety of other birds, including wild migratory waterfowl. Starting in 2024, HPAI has been detected in various species of mammals, likely after contact with infected wild birds.

HPAI in Poultry Information

HPAI in Livestock Information
 

What is Connecticut doing about HPAI?

In Connecticut, three state agencies monitor for HPAI. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) monitors for incidences of HPAI in wild birds and other wild animals; the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg) monitors for incidences of HPAI in domestic animals, backyard bird flocks, poultry, and livestock; the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) monitors for incidences of HPAI in humans.  

DoAg conducts surveillance testing of domestic birds throughout the state. Commercial and non-commercial flock owners participate in our surveillance program. Testing of birds for Avian influenza virus is available at low or no cost through a partnership with the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) at the University of Connecticut.

RESOURCES

Avian Influenza Fact Sheet - developed by the Connecticut DEEP, Department of Public Health, and Department of Agriculture 

Avian Influenza in Wild Birds (CT DEEP)

Wild Bird Mortality Reporting (CT DEEP)

Human Infections (CT DPH)

Human H5N1 Cases in the U.S. (CDC)

USDA Avian Influenza