Bird Flu Is Spreading: What You Need To Know

SUNDAY, Feb. 2, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- A rapidly-spreading H5N1 avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu, has been devastating bird flocks and showing signs of spreading to other mammals.

Since 2022, more than 147 million birds in the U.S. have been affected. Already this year, more than 5 million egg-laying chickens have died, and cases have been detected in dairy cows, cats, zoo animals and even people.

So, what does this mean for you? Dr. David Cennimo, an infectious disease specialist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, breaks down what people need to know about bird flu and how to stay safe.

What exactly is bird flu?