Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Information Sheet for General Public

 

What is Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)?

Avian influenza or “bird flu” refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) type A viruses. Although it spreads naturally among wild water birds, these viruses can infect domestic poultry, other birds, and other animal species. In the United States, the avian influenza virus circulating globally, avian influenza A(H5N1), is responsible for causing outbreaks in domestic poultry and dairy cows. While bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, sporadic human infections have occurred.

 

What are the symptoms of Bird Flu?

Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish
  • Eye redness (conjunctivitis)
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Seizures

Human illnesses caused by avian influenza range in severity from asymptomatic infections (no symptoms) to severe illness leading to death.

 

How does Bird Flu spread?

Bird flu infects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts in wild and domestic birds and is present in the saliva, mucus and feces of infected birds. Mammals can be infected with H5N1 bird flu viruses when they eat infected birds or other animals; or if they are exposed to environments contaminated with the virus. Recently, spread of avian influenza A(H5N1) has happened between cows in the same herd, from cows to poultry, and between herds of dairy cows. Humans may be infected if the bird flu virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. People with close or prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or animals are at greater risk of infection.

 

Who is at risk of getting Bird Flu?

While anyone who has close unprotected contact with infected birds or animals may be at risk of catching the bird flu, people who regularly work around avian influenza A(H5N1) infected animals are more likely to be infected. People who are at greater risk may include:

  • Poultry farm, hatchery, and processing plant workers
  • Backyard or hobbyist flock owners
  • Wildlife biologists
  • Animal control and welfare workers who handle infected or wild birds
  • Dairy cattle farmers or slaughterhouse workers performing certain tasks
  • Veterinarians or veterinary staff
  • Disease control workers including federal and state agricultural agency workers
  • Hunters

 

Can Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) be prevented?

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against flu viruses that normally infect people; it does not protect against bird flu. For most people, the best way to prevent bird flu is by avoiding sources of exposure. This means avoiding direct contact with wild birds, unprotected contact with domestic poultry or dairy cattle that are sick or have died, and avoiding contact with animal products or environments that are contaminated with the bird flu virus like, saliva, mucous, or feces of infected birds and raw milk from infected dairy cows.

 

Information for people with job-related contact with wild or domestic birds

People who have job-related contact with birds or dairy cattle can take steps to reduce the risk of exposure and stay healthy. If you have job-related exposure to birds or cattle refer to your Safety Officer for appropriate use of PPE and personal hygiene practices while at work. People with job-related exposures should adhere to the protocols, training, and guidance given by their site Safety Officer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed guidance specifically for the protection of people who may be at increased risk of exposure to bird flu viruses.

 

Information for other groups who may have contact with wild or domestic birds

There are precautions that backyard and hobbyist flock owners should take to minimize their risk for bird flu infection. If you suspect that your flock is infected with the bird flu virus, immediately report it to the state veterinarian or call United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s toll-free number 1(866) 536-7593. Flock owners should wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling sick or dead birds or environments that could be contaminated with the saliva, feces, or body fluids of infected birds. PPE should continue to be worn in contaminated areas until all infected birds, eggs, feces, or contaminated litter have been removed from the area. Recommended PPE includes safety goggles, disposable gloves, rubber boots or boot covers, an N95 respirator or well-fitting facemask, disposable fluid-resistant coveralls, and a disposable head or hair cover. While the area is being cleaned and disinfected, avoid stirring up dust, bird waste, and feathers to prevent dispersing the virus into the air. Hunters should dress game birds in the field and wear recommended PPE (i.e., gloves, an N95 respirator or well-fitting facemask, and eye protection) and wash their hands with soap and water after dressing game birds.

 

Who should receive the seasonal influenza vaccine?

A vaccine to protect against the bird flu is not currently available. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older receives a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human and bird flu viruses at the same time. People who may have work related contact with sick birds or cattle should receive the seasonal flu vaccine at least two weeks before any potential exposure, if possible.

 

What should you do if you are exposed to Bird Flu?

If you have been around birds or cattle that were infected with the bird flu virus, the local health department will monitor your health for the 10 days after your exposure. If you develop symptoms at any point during the 10 days after your last exposure, contact the local health department, stay home, and avoid being in close contact with other people. If you become very ill and need immediate medical attention, seek emergency care. Call the hospital ahead of time so that the hospital’s medical staff are prepared to provide your care.

 

How is Bird Flu diagnosed?

If you have symptoms, you may be asked to test for bird flu virus infection. The local health department will coordinate testing for you through the state public health lab if you get sick after being around sick birds or cattle. Testing at the state laboratory is free of charge.

 

How is Bird Flu treated?

If you have symptoms of bird flu virus, a healthcare provider should prescribe you antiviral medication, it is important that you take the medication as prescribed.

 

For more information about avian influenza visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at:  www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/

For more information about worker protection visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at:  www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5/worker-protection-ppe.htm

 

West Virginia Department of Agriculture Announcement

Poultry Exhibition and Sale Events Suspended in West Virginia

January 30, 2025

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is suspending all poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and sales at flea markets or auction markets in response to the ongoing threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This decision follows recent HPAI confirmations in commercial poultry operations in multiple surrounding states, as well as a confirmed case in a backyard flock in Pocahontas County earlier this month. Additionally, federal and state wildlife agencies have detected the virus in wild bird populations through ongoing surveillance efforts.  “This is a serious threat to West Virginia’s poultry industry which is the largest overall contributor to our state’s animal industry economy – this action provides added safeguard,” said West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “This nationwide outbreak has been ongoing since 2022, and we have worked closely with poultry industry stakeholders and our interagency partners to prepare for and respond when needed to a West Virginia outbreak.”  HPAI has been detected regionally in both commercial and backyard poultry flocks, with cases rising nationwide ahead of the spring migratory waterfowl season. For detailed information on HPAI detections in the United States, please refer to the Commercial, Backyard, & Wildlife cases in the United States (USDA APHIS). In early April, the overall HPAI status in the region will be reassessed with the possibility of resuming sales of poultry at markets.  As a reminder, to prevent the spread of the disease, WVDA urges poultry owners to:

  • Limit, monitor, and record any movement of people, vehicles, or animals on or off the farm.
  • Permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm.
  • Avoid visiting other poultry farms or unnecessary travel off the farm.
  • Disinfect equipment, vehicles, footwear, and other items in contact with flocks.
  • Change clothes before entering poultry areas and before exiting the property.
  • Keep flocks away from wild or migratory birds, especially waterfowl.
  • Isolate any ill animals and contact your veterinarian immediately.

For additional precautions against the virus, visit the CDC’s Avian Influenza Guidance.  Poultry owners should report unusual death loss, a drop in egg production, or any sick domestic birds to WVDA’s Animal Health Division at 304-558-2214.