Avian Flu

Avian influenza is an influenza virus that occurs naturally in wild aquatic birds, including ducks, geese, and gulls. Mild forms of avian influenza (known as low pathogenic avian influenza, or LPAI) are routinely found in wild birds and don’t cause serious illness. From time to time, a mild strain changes through mutation or mixing with other flu viruses into a more severe type of the virus (highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI). These HPAI can wreak havoc on wild bird populations. Symptoms of avian influenza vary depending on the strain of virus and bird species. Learn more about any current HPAI outbreaks on the Cornell Lab’s website.