Five wild birds found in parts of Los Angeles County have tested positive for H5 bird flu, health officials said Thursday, while stressing that the risk of residents being infected remains low.
According to the county Department of Public Health, the birds all tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5, also known as H5 bird flu.
“The risk to the general public is low, but everyone can help take steps to reduce the spread and risk of H5 bird flu,” according to a social media post by the agency.
According to the department, the infected birds were:
— an egret found Nov. 9 in Van Nuys;
— a California gull found Nov. 10 in Manhattan Beach;
— a Western gull found Nov. 13 in Malibu;
— a gull found Nov. 14 in San Pedro; and
— a Western gull found Nov. 21 in Palos Verdes.
Health officials urged people — and their pets — to maintain a safe distance from birds and avoid any direct contact. People should also avoid feeding wild birds or animals, and stay away from bird droppings and surfaces where wild birds gather. Officials also urged people to wash their hands thoroughly after outdoor activities near birds.
Residents can report sick wild birds by calling 211 to be directed to a local animal control agency.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, H5 bird flu is widespread in birds worldwide, leading to some outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows, with some occasional human cases reported in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
A total of 71 human cases have been reported in the United States since 2024, with two deaths, according to the CDC. Thirty-eight of those cases have been in California.