HPAI H5N1 has not been reported in the United States, however, it is possible that bird flu could enter the country by migratory birds. In order for H5N1 to enter the United States, infected wild birds from Asia or West Africa would have to survive the disease and carry it to breeding grounds in the Pacific Islands, Alaska, or Canada. The virus would then have to pass to another species that migrates to the continental United States.⁶

Ninety-nine percent of North American migratory waterfowl do not come from Europe, Asia, or Africa where the virus has been found. Scientists continue to test birds in Alaska and Canada and along major flyways in the United States to look for AI. HPAI H5N1 has not been found along major flyways in the continental United States.