Avian Flu Facts

Avian Flu, also known as bird flu and H5N1, is a viral illness common in wild birds worldwide- and can cause outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows. People rarely get bird flu virus infection; however, human infections with avian influenza viruses can happen when enough virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, and mouth or is inhaled.

Symptoms:

Fever Temperature of 100.0F [37.8C] or greater
Feeling feverish/Chills
Cough, Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath.
Sore throat, Runny or stuffy nose
Eye tearing, redness, or irritation
Headaches, Muscle or body aches
Diarrhea

Stay away from wild birds or birds that are sick.
Do not touch surfaces where birds gather, or where manure or feces may be present.

People who work with birds or cows should use protective precautions such as:

wearing gloves, an N95 respirator, and eye protection.
wash hands with soap and water after handling birds.
avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after handling birds, or touching surfaces or materials that are soiled
Change clothes before contact with healthy birds and after handling animals who may be sick with the avian flu.
People with birds or chickens in the backyard should follow these precautions and prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s website provides more information on general safety guidelines for hunters handling wildlife and their tissues.

Food Sources

According to the CDC, there is no evidence that eating fully cooked commercial poultry, eggs, and meat can transmit avian flu to humans. However, you should avoid eating or drinking uncooked or undercooked foods or products from animals thought to be infected with avian flu (bird flu). This includes raw milk, cheeses, and poultry products like blood.