List of mammals that can get H5N1


Although a wide variety of bird species have been shown to contract and spread Influenza A virus subtype H5N1, from waterfowl to poultry and birds of prey, mammalian infections have been of particular interest to researchers due to their potential to develop mutations that increase the risk of mammal-to-mammal spread and transmission to and among humans.

Mammals known to have been infected

Other influenza strains are common among mammals, including humans, but this list only shows those who have been proven to carry H5N1. In October 2022, farmed mink became the first detected mammal able to engage in mammal-to-mammal spread of H5N1.
AnimalDate first detected Spread amongst themselves?Spreads to humans?Captive or wild infection?References
AlpacaCaptive
American black bear
Amur leopard
Arctic fox2023Captive
Asian golden cat2009Captive
Beech marten2007Wild
Bobcat
Bottlenose dolphin
Caspian sealUnder InvestigationWild
Avian influenza in cats2004Both
CattleYesYesCaptive
Clouded leopard2009Captive
Coyote
Dog2004Captive
Donkey2009
Elephant sealWild
Eurasian otter2021Wild
Fisher
Fur sealWild
GoatCaptive
Grey sealWild
Grizzly bear
Harbor sealWild
Human
Kodiak bear
Leopard2003Captive
Lion2009Captive
MinkYesCaptive
Mountain lion
MouseWild
Owston's palm civet2006
Pig2004Captive
Polar bearWild
Raccoon
Rat
Red foxWild
Sea lionWild
Sheep
Skunk
Striped skunk
Tiger2003Captive
Virginia opossum