Veterinary Public Health Program
313 N Figueroa St. Rm 1127
Los
Angeles, CA 90012
Tel (213) 288-7060
Fax (213) 481-2375
vet@ph.lacounty.gov
Number of bird cases in LA County in 2024: 1
Number of mammal cases in LA County in 2024: 0
See CDC: H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary for national surveillance data
The risk of avian influenza spreading to people in LA County remains low, but Public Health is closely monitoring the situation. For information on H5N1 in people, see LAC DPH Avian Influenza in Humans.
Sick or dead birds should be reported immediately.
- Report sick or dead birds to your local animal control agency They might be able to collect and hold it for HPAI testing. Waterfowl, shorebirds, medium or large birds, and poultry are the best types of birds to test for HPAI.
- Report sick or dead animals that may have had contact with sick or dead birds (for example, community cats, raccoons, skunks).
- Also report the bird or animal to Public Health online. Let us know if you were able to contact your local animal control.
- If your pet is sick, please contact your veterinarian.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) in LA County
Also known as bird flu, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) is a viral infectious disease first identified in birds. The virus spreads through direct bird-to-bird contact or indirectly when the virus is on clothing, shoes, vehicles, rodents, insects, feed, water, feathers, etc. Birds release the virus in bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva, and feces.
The current strain of H5N1 that is circulating in the U.S. and worldwide is causing outbreaks in wild birds, poultry, wild mammals including seals and sea lions, and domestic mammals including dairy cows. This is the first time these bird flu viruses have been found to be spreading in cows. Pasteurization kills the virus in milk and pasteurized milk products are safe to consume. Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or eating unpasteurized milk products. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry, eggs, and beef in the U.S.
The risk of bird flu spreading to people from animals or in animal products is currently low in California. LA County Public Health is testing for bird flu in wild birds, domestic birds, and select mammals.
Wild Birds / Poultry
The first cases of H5N1 bird flu were confirmed in LA County in September 2022. These cases are part of the ongoing nationwide bird flu outbreak, also known as HPAI H5N1. Between September 2022 and April 2023, 30 cases in birds were confirmed in LA County. After several months without any cases, four infected birds were found between November 2023-January 2024. See case details below. There have been no detections of HPAI H5N1 in backyard or commercial poultry in Los Angeles County.
We collaborate with animal control agencies, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, the local zoo, and other County agencies to test a wide range of wild birds and poultry.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) in birds in Los Angeles County: November 2023 - January 2024
This map displays cases identified in the past avian influenza season. Cases of avian influenza are typically seen cyclically in the fall and early winter based on bird migration patterns.
Detections of HPAI H5N1 in Los Angeles County - confirmed by National Veterinary Services Laboratory
| Date | Species | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | Western Gull | Manhattan Beach |
| December 2023 | Canada Goose | Alhambra |
| November 2023 | Raven | Eagle Rock |
| November 2023 | Western Gull | El Segundo |
| March 2023 | Western Gull | Torrance |
| January 2023 | Common Loon | Malibu |
| December 2022 | Turkey Vulture | Encino |
| November 2022 | Seagull | Bellflower |
| November 2022 | Hawk | Los Angeles 90024 |
| November 2022 | Canada Goose | Silverlake |
| November 2022 | Great Horned Owl | Los Angeles 90039 |
| November 2022 | Canada Goose | Los Angeles 90031 |
| November 2022 | Canada Goose | Long Beach |
| November 2022 | Greater White Fronted Goose | Irwindale |
| November 2022 | Canada Goose | La Mirada |
| November 2022 | Canada Goose | Pico Rivera |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Alhambra |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Pasadena |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Reseda |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Los Angeles 90015 |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Calabasas |
| October 2022 | Snowy Egret | Los Angeles 91302 |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Los Angeles 91302 |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Pasadena |
| October 2022 | Greater White Fronted Goose | Los Angeles 90265 |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Los Angeles 91406 |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Los Angeles 91406 |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Long Beach |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Long Beach |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Long Beach |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Cerritos |
| October 2022 | Canada Goose | Los Angeles 90056 |
| October 2022 | Black Crowned Night Heron | Long Beach |
| September 2022 | Canada Goose | Los Angeles 90045 |
Dairy Cattle
HPAI H5N1 was detected in dairy cows in the USA in March 2024 for the first time. So far there have been no detections of bird flu virus in dairy cattle in California. LAC DPH is working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and industry stakeholders to protect both human health as well as animal health.
Stay informed:
Mammals
LAC DPH began testing for HPAI H5N1 in wild mammals, marine mammals, and domestic mammals in May 2023. So far there have been no reports of any mammals testing positive for HPAI H5N1 in LA County. We collaborate with animal control agencies, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, and the local zoo to test a wide range of animals. Some examples of wild and marine mammals tested include skunks, raccoons, coyotes, sea lions, and seals. Examples of domestic mammals tested include dogs, cats, and chinchillas.
Both domestic pets and wild mammals may be affected by HPAI H5N1. To protect your pets, keep them away from wildlife, including wild birds, and avoid feeding raw or undercooked poultry products and unpasteurized milk or milk products.
Best Practices to Prevent HPAI H5N1
Follow these best practices to prevent the spread of HPAI H5N1.
For the Public
The general public is at low risk for HPAI H5N1 infection. The following best practices can help prevent the spread of HPAI H5N1:
- Take down bird feeders and bird baths. This reduces interactions between wild and domestic birds and reduces contamination of the ground/environment with wild bird droppings.
- Avoid contact with wild birds, even if they don't look sick.
- Avoid surfaces that may be contaminated with bird feces.
- Keep pets away from wild birds.
- Do not feed raw dairy products or raw/uncooked poultry products to pets.
- Do not handle sick or injured birds. Contact your local animal control agency for help.
- Reporting sick or dead birds to Veterinary Public Health through the online reporting portal.
Resources:
For Farm Workers
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is critical for those who work with potentially infected animals and/or materials, including raw milk.
Recommended PPE includes:
- NIOSH approved respirators (e.g. N-95)
- Disposable gloves
- Safety goggles or a faceshield
- Disposable or fluid-resistant coveralls and aprons
- Rubber boots or boot covers
- Disposable head/hair cover
Additionally, farm workers who have regular contact with cows or animal products should take these steps to reduce their risk of getting sick:
- Use recommended PPE, especially if you work in the sick/hospital pen at the farm
- If you come into contact with raw milk when milking or handling udders, wash your hands with soap and water before touching your face or eyes
- Do not take home raw milk, eat raw milk, feed it to pets, or allow any other animals to access and consume it
- Reach out to a veterinarian for testing when cows have mastitis (inflammation in the udder) or any other signs of illness
Resources:
For Veterinary Health Providers
Staff and volunteers working with sick wild birds or poultry in veterinary health, animal control, and/or animal shelters may be at higher risk of exposure to HPAI H5N1 than the general public. To stay safe, follow these best practices:
- Avoid direct, unprotected contact with sick birds, carcasses, bird feces, or contaminated surfaces and water.
- Use recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling sick wild birds, poultry, or contaminated equipment.
Recommended PPE includes :- NIOSH approved respirators (e.g. N-95)
- Disposable gloves
- Safety goggles or a face shield
- Disposable or fluid-resistant coveralls and aprons
- Rubber boots or boot covers
- Disposable head/hair cover
- Put on and remove PPE in separate clean areas.
- Clean and disinfect reusable PPE (like rubber boots) with EPA-approved disinfectants.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth after handling contaminated materials, and while wearing PPE. Wash or sanitize hands immediately after removing PPE.
Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
How does HPAI H5N1 spread?
The virus spreads through direct bird-to-bird contact or indirectly when virus is on clothing, footwear, vehicles, rodents, insects, feed, water, feathers, etc. Birds release or shed the virus in bodily fluids such as respiratory droplets, mucus, saliva, and feces.
What is the risk to human health from HPAI H5N1?
At this time, the risk to the general public's health from the current HPAI H5N1 virus is low. Some people may have job-related (animal control, veterinary clinic, poultry processing plants, etc.) or recreational exposures that put them at higher risk of infection. People who work with or handle sick birds may consider using additional personal protective equipment (PPE). For more information about protective actions that should be taken when handling birds potentially infected with avian influenza viruses, review CDC Instructions.
Monitoring for human infection and person-to-person spread is extremely important for public health because of the possibility that bird flu viruses could change and gain the ability to spread easily between people.
What is the risk to wild birds and domestic birds from HPAI H5N1?
HPAI H5N1 is primarily a disease of poultry (chicken, turkeys) and may cause significant loss in backyard and commercial flocks. In wild birds, the infection may cause mild to severe illness depending on the species affected.
Can HPAI H5N1 affect other animals besides birds?
HPAI H5N1 has been reported to affect other types of animals including those that share environments with infected birds or that scavenge or eat infected birds. Globally and in the US, other animals infected with HPAI include skunks, foxes, mountain lions, bears, raccoons, opossums, bobcats, a coyote, harbor seals, a river otter, baby goats, and a bottlenose dolphin. A number of these animals were found dead in groups which prompted investigation and testing by various agencies. For more information about HPAI in mammals, see surveillance data from USDA.
Can HPAI H5N1 affect pets?
Domestic pets have also been found to be positive for HPAI and can die from the infection. In April 2023, a dog in Ontario, Canada tested positive for HPAI and died after chewing on a dead goose. This is the first case reported globally of a dog contracting this strain of the virus. Three cats in the US (1 in Wyoming in April 2023 and 2 in Nebraska in January 2023) suspected of hunting and eating wild birds tested positive for HPAI. The 2 cats in Nebraska showed neurologic signs (tremors, seizures, walking in circles) prior to dying. To prevent infection in pets, they should not have contact with wildlife including wild birds, and not consume raw or uncooked poultry and unpasteurized milk or milk products.
What are the symptoms of HPAI H5N1 in poultry (chickens, turkeys)?
- Sudden death of bird with no clinical symptoms
- Lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling of head, comb, eyelid, wattles and hocks
- Discoloration of wattles, combs and legs
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Neurological signs (incoordination)
- Diarrhea
What are the symptoms of HPAI H5N1 in wild birds?
- No symptoms
- Neurological signs (incoordination, swimming in circles, weak)
- Sudden death
How can I keep my backyard chickens healthy?
Please refer to these resources:
Resources & News
State & Federal Resources
California Department of Public Health
California Department of Food and Agriculture
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
US Department of Agriculture
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
US Food and Drug Administration
US Environmental Protection Agency
Flyers / Handouts
For Animal Control & Veterinary Facilities
- HPAI in Los Angeles County [2022] English | Spanish
For Farm Workers
For the Public
News
Recent Headlines:
- CDC Confirms Second Human H5 Bird Flu Case in Michigan; Third Case Tied to Dairy Outbreak (May 30, 2024)
- CDC Reports Second Human Case of H5 Bird Flu Tied to Dairy Cow Outbreak (May 22, 2024)
- U.S. Case of Human Avian Influenza A(H5) Virus Reported (April 28, 2022)
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus Infection Reported in a Person in the U.S. (April 1, 2024)
Animal Health Alert:
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Detected in Wild Birds in Los Angeles County: Guidance and Reporting Forms (January 24, 2024)
Animal Health Update:
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Detected in Wild and Domestic Mammals Worldwide (April 11, 2023)
LAC DPH Press Release:
