Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
Welcome to the specialized content hub for Bird Flu (Avian Influenza).
Contextual Summary Narrative
History of Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
While commonly viewed as a modern crisis, avian influenza has a documented medical history stretching back to 1878 in northern Italy, where it was identified as a highly contagious poultry disease and referred to as "fowl plague." It wasn't until 1955 that scientists discovered the true culprit behind this plague was an influenza A virus, shifting the focus of veterinary medicine toward viral surveillance. By the mid‑1900s, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) had been reported in poultry across Europe, Russia, North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia — a clear sign that the virus was already a global presence.
The modern era of pandemic preparedness began in 1996, when the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain was isolated in domestic waterfowl in Southern China. A year later, the virus made its first documented jump to humans during a severe poultry outbreak in Hong Kong in 1997, resulting in 18 human cases and highlighting the virus's lethal nature. This event forced global public health agencies to permanently alter how they track animal diseases, proving that avian viruses posed a direct threat to human health.
In the years that followed, the virus continued to evolve. A second wave of human cases emerged in 2003 in the Netherlands, caused by the H7N7 strain, which infected 89 people and resulted in one death. The 2009 H1N1 "swine flu" pandemic further demonstrated the capacity of influenza viruses to reassort and jump species, carrying genes of avian origin.
By 2020, a new variant of the H5N1 virus — clade 2.3.4.4b — began circulating, triggering the largest and most severe avian influenza epidemic on record. The virus has since infected hundreds of millions of birds, spilled over into mammals including dairy cattle, and caused dozens of human cases across multiple continents. Scientists now warn that the window for containing a potential pandemic strain may be as short as 2 to 10 detected cases, making surveillance and rapid response more critical than ever.
Global Spread Timeline
Bird Flu by Continent
Select a continent below to see a snapshot of the current avian influenza situation.
🌏 Asia
Moderate RiskAsia has been the epicentre of avian influenza outbreaks. The first documented human H5N1 case occurred in Hong Kong in 1997. Since then, the region has seen continuous outbreaks, with a significant wave beginning in Southeast Asia in 2003.
Notable Outbreaks
Hong Kong
First human H5N1
Cambodia
Multiple human cases
Bangladesh
First fatal child case
India
Human infection
China
H10N3 human case
Risk: Highest number of human cases globally. Occupational exposure risk for poultry workers.
Signs & Symptoms
Bird flu can affect both humans and animals, but the symptoms vary significantly between species. Understanding these signs is critical for early detection and response.
In Humans
Human infections are rare and typically occur after close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, may be fatal.
Common Symptoms
- • Eye redness – conjunctivitis has been the predominant symptom in recent cases
- • Fever – temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher, or feeling feverish
- • Cough – persistent or dry cough
- • Sore throat – irritation or pain in the throat
- • Runny or stuffy nose – nasal congestion or discharge
- • Muscle or body aches – myalgia and general fatigue
- • Shortness of breath – difficulty breathing in severe cases
Note: Some infected individuals may show no symptoms at all. If you have been in contact with infected birds or dairy cattle and develop any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
In Animals
Symptoms in animals vary widely depending on the species and the strain of the virus. Some strains cause mild illness, while others can be highly lethal.
In Birds (Poultry & Wild Birds)
- • Sudden death – often without any prior signs
- • Swollen head – and blue discolouration of the neck and throat
- • Respiratory distress – gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling
- • Diarrhoea – and a drop in egg production
- • Lethargy – lack of energy and appetite
- • Soft or misshapen eggs – thin-shelled eggs
In Mammals (Cattle, Cats, etc.)
- • Decreased milk production – sudden drop in output
- • Thickened, colostrum-like milk – abnormal milk consistency
- • Loss of appetite – reduced feed intake
- • Fever – and lethargy
- • Mastitis – inflammation of the udder
- • Neurological signs – in cats and other mammals
Note: Some infected animals may show no symptoms at all. If you suspect avian influenza in your livestock or poultry, contact your veterinarian or local animal health authorities immediately.
⚠️ Important: If you have been in close contact with birds or other animals that may be infected, monitor yourself for symptoms for 10 days. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
Contact & Reporting
If you or someone you know has been in close contact with birds or other animals and develops symptoms, or if you suspect avian influenza in your livestock or poultry, contact the appropriate authorities in your region immediately. Early reporting is critical for containing the spread of the virus.
🌍 Africa
WHO Regional Office for Africa
Cité du Djoué, P.O.Box 06 Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Tel: +47 241 39402
Email: afrgocom@who.int
South Africa – National Hotline
Public Hotline: 0800 029 999
Clinician Hotline: 0800 111 131
Sudan
Hotline: 9090
South Sudan
Hotline: 6666
🌏 Asia
WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO)
New Delhi, India
Regional surveillance and preparedness coordination.
Cambodia – Ministry of Health
Free Hotline: 115
For concerns about H5N1 or other avian influenza viruses.
India – Ministry of Health
24x7 Toll-Free Call Centre: 1075
🌍 Europe
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Stockholm, Sweden
Tel: +46 8 586 010 00
Email: infoecdc [dot] europa [dot] eu
Human infections with avian influenza are notifiable within 24 hours through the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS).
United Kingdom – NHS 111
If you have been in close contact with a bird in a country where there is bird flu, or with someone who has bird flu, call NHS 111.
🌎 North America
USDA – Sick Bird Hotline
Toll-Free: 1-866-536-7593
Report sick or dead farm birds or poultry. Calls are routed to your local USDA Veterinary Services office.
CDC – General Inquiries
Hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
TTY: 1-888-232-6348
For general information on avian influenza and human health.
Tennessee – State Veterinarian
Tel: 615-837-5120
Email: Animal.Health@tn.gov
Ohio – Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
Tel: 614-728-6220
Email: animal@agri.ohio.gov
🌎 South America
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO)
Regional office for the Americas
Provides technical assistance for surveillance, detection, and investigation of avian influenza in humans and animals.
Contact your national health authority or PAHO country office for specific guidance.
Uruguay – National Preparedness
Contact the Ministry of Health or veterinary authorities to report suspected cases.
🌏 Oceania
Australia – Emergency Animal Disease Hotline
24-Hour Hotline: 1800 675 888
Report sick or dead birds or other animals from anywhere in Australia.
New Zealand – Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline
Hotline: 0800 80 99 66
Report sick or dead birds, especially if you see 3 or more sick or dead birds in a group. Do not handle the birds.
Australia – Public Health
For human health concerns, contact your local public health unit.
⚠️ Important: If you have been in close contact with birds or other animals that may be infected, monitor yourself for symptoms for 10 days. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Do not handle sick or dead birds or other animals without appropriate protective equipment.
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