Avian Influenza

What is Avian Influenza?

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease caused by influenza viruses that naturally occur among wild aquatic birds. It can also infect other types of birds and many other animal species. In rare cases, bird flu can infect people and make them sick. This typically has only happened to people who have had close contact with avian influenza-infected birds or other animals or to environments where infected animals are or have been present.

How Does Bird Flu Spread to People?

Infected animals spread the virus through their saliva, mucus and feces. It is also found in the raw milk of infected dairy cattle. People can get infected if the virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth or if it is breathed in. No person-to-person spread of bird flu has been identified in the United States at this time. 

You’re at a higher risk of getting bird flu if you have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or their contaminated environments without proper protection. To reduce your risk, avoid contact whenever possible or wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when around infected animals. 

High risk groups may include:

  • Backyard poultry owners
  • Dairy Workers 
  • Poultry Workers
  • Veterinary staff 
  • Hunters

What are the Symptoms of Bird Flu in People?

Bird flu symptoms are similar to other flu virus symptoms. Possible symptoms of bird flu include:

  • Fever
  • Cough 
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches 
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Eye infection 
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pneumonia
  • Severe respiratory disease

What to Do if I Feel Sick After Contact with Ill or Infected Animals?

If you have these symptoms after being around birds, livestock, other animals suspected of being infected with bird flu, or their environments or supplies you should: 

  • Contact your doctor right away
  • Inform your doctor that you were in contact with high-risk animals
  • Wear a face mask for all appointments

How Can I Protect Myself from Bird Flu?

  • Avoid contact with animals that could be infected with bird flu. Do not handle sick or dead birds or livestock.
  • Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. This is especially important after handling birds, livestock, or anything in their environments.
  • Cook poultry, meat, and eggs thoroughly. Ensure all poultry, meat, and eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill potential viruses.
  • Avoid raw milk. Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or consume products made from it, as they can carry harmful germs, including influenza viruses.
  • Protect pets. Cats are especially vulnerable to avian influenza. Dogs can also be infected though it is much rarer. 
  • Limit your pets’ unsupervised time outdoors to prevent them from hunting wild birds or other animals. 
  • Do not let hunting dogs retrieve or have contact with sick birds or birds found deceased. 
  • Do not feed your animals raw milk or uncooked meat, including raw pet food diets.
  • Talk with your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about avian influenza in a pet. 
  • Protect backyard poultry and livestock. 
  • Keep wild birds and animals away from your animals.
  • Disinfect equipment often and don’t share equipment with other farms.
  • Have dedicated clothing and shoes to care for your animals that you do not wear off your property or bring inside your home.
  • Consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine. The flu shot will not protect you from avian flu but will help decrease the chance of the virus mutating. The flu shot can also help keep your immune system strong and less vulnerable to other infections, including bird flu.

What to Do if I Find Sick or Dead Birds or Livestock:

Can my Pets Get Bird Flu?

Bird flu viruses can infect and spread to other animals, including pets. Cats can be particularly susceptible to severe illness from infection with bird flu viruses.

To prevent illness in cats:

  • Prevent cats from hunting wild birds or other mammals.
  • Do not feed raw (unpasteurized) milk or dairy products or raw or undercooked meat or pet foods to your pets. Learn more about recent raw pet food recalls on the WSDA Recalls and Health Alerts page.

If your pet is showing signs of illness, contact your veterinarian. Signs of bird flu illness in cats can include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Low appetite
  • Red eyes
  • Discharge from the eyes and nose
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Neurologic symptoms like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness.