Salton Sea Avian Influenza Update — March 5, 2026

The State of California’s Salton Sea Program is monitoring the ongoing outbreak of avian influenza H5N1, which has impacted millions of birds across the world – including bird populations across the state, in the Pacific Flyway, and in the Salton Sea region since the virus reached North America in late 2021 and California in mid-2022. In California, avian influenza activity in wild birds has typically increased during fall migration and early winter and then decreased during spring migration and summer.

Following an investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and preliminary testing at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), two presumptive detections of avian influenza have been identified from samples taken from deceased birds near State projects at the Salton Sea. These samples have been forwarded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for confirmation of results and further genetic sequencing to determine virus strain and virulence, which includes whether the virus strain detected is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

While we await further results, our program team is continuing to monitor the area and is taking steps to help limit potential disease spread where possible at state projects, protect staff working on-site, and coordinate with local, state and federal partners. Our team will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

For more information, email cnra-saltonsea@resources.ca.gov.