This brief focuses on the following messages:

• While the spread of avian influenza (H5N1) virus from person-to-person is currently rare and unsustained, H5N1 continues to pose a significant threat to public health and economies worldwide.
• All evidence to date indicates that close contact with dead or sick birds is the principal source of human infection with H5N1.
• Key protective practices endorsed by international agencies include washing (proper hygiene), separating chickens/birds, reporting dead or sick chickens/birds, and cooking poultry properly.
• Strategic AI communication can effectively increase awareness of AI risks, means of transmission, and promote sustained behavior change when carefully delivered.