Section 1. Avian Influenza Facts


  1. Source and Transmission
  2. Agent Characteristics
  3. Virus Survival
  4. Clinical Signs in Birds


Virus Survival

Influenza virus
CDC Photo Library: Erskine Palmer

Avian influenza virus can survive outside of a host for long periods of time.19

  • The virus can live for up to one month in a poultry house setting at 40ºF.
  • AI virus has also been found to survive in lakes (where waterfowl usually gather) for over 30 days at freezing temperatures.

It is important to practice proper decontamination and disposal of litter, manure, and other wastes as the virus can linger on surfaces and in water.