evidence: Dr. Leana Wen: Bird flu, also called avian flu or avian influenza, refers to infections caused by the avian influenza Type A viruses. These viruses generally spread among wild birds, especially wild aquatic birds such as ducks and geese. They can also infect domestic poultry and other animals. [...] The H5N1 avian flu virus has been causing outbreaks among poultry in the US, with 48 states and over 85 million poultry now affected. This virus is highly contagious among domestic poultry and can spread through an entire flock within a matter of days. [...] Wen: Yes, some forms of bird flu can be transmitted to other animals. Since 2022 in the US, the avian flu H5N1 virus has been detected in more than 200 mammals. In March 2024, a multistate outbreak of this virus was reported in dairy cattle. The person in Texas who was just diagnosed with it presumably contracted it through exposure.