Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Avian influenza (flu) or bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian influenza type A viruses. These viruses spread naturally among wild water birds worldwide. They can also infect domestic poultry and other birds and animals. People rarely get bird flu. When they do, it's most often after unprotected contact (not wearing recommended personal protective equipment, PPE) with infected birds or other infected animals.
Current H5 Bird Flu Outbreak in Animals
Since January 2022, an H5 bird flu virus has been detected in U.S. wild birds. This has led to several outbreaks in domestic and backyard poultry flocks. In March 2024, the first outbreaks of H5 bird flu in dairy cows were reported in the United States. Infections in other animal species have also been reported. Compared to the number of infected animals, a relatively small number of human infections have also occurred. Human infections usually happen after a person has had lengthy close contact with an infected animal. Most people with H5 bird flu infections in the U.S. have had mild illness. Currently, there is no evidence that H5 bird flu is spreading from one person to another.
The current risk of H5 bird flu infection is low for the public. However, people with job-related or recreational exposures to birds, dairy cows, or other H5 virus-infected animals or contaminated environments are at increased risk and should take precautions to protect against bird flu.
To date, H5 bird flu has not been detected in people in Virginia. Visit the CDC’s website for more information on bird flu.
General Information
Who is at risk for being infected with bird flu?
Human infections with influenza A viruses from animals are uncommon.
People with close, prolonged, and unprotected (without eye or respiratory protection) exposure to infected birds, livestock, or other animals; or exposure to contaminated products (e.g., raw milk) or environments have a greater risk of getting sick with bird flu viruses. More information is available on the CDC’s People at Increased Risk for Bird Flu webpage.
How can bird flu be prevented?
- Wash your hands after touching birds and animals, especially at zoos and agricultural fairs.
- Keep a safe distance from wild birds and other wild animals. Do not touch sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals.
- Report sick or dead wildlife to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources via the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003.
- People with job- or recreational-related exposures to birds or infected animals should wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Do not drink unpasteurized (raw) milk or eat raw milk products, like cheese.
- Get the seasonal flu vaccine. People at increased risk for exposure to bird flu should receive a seasonal flu vaccine. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions.
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
Symptoms in humans from bird flu can range from no symptoms to mild illness. These include eye redness and mild flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and tiredness). Symptoms can also be more severe (like pneumonia) and require hospitalization. Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures.
What is the treatment for bird flu?
Antiviral drugs that are used to treat seasonal flu are also used to treat bird flu infections. They are most effective when taken within 48 hours of when symptoms start.
What should I do if I have symptoms of bird flu?
- See a healthcare provider if you become ill (even if symptoms are mild) after coming into contact with sick birds, poultry, cattle, or other animals. Let your healthcare provider know of your recent exposure.
- Stay away from other people (isolate) and do not go to work or school until you have been evaluated.
- Take antiviral medications if they have been prescribed to you. Medication may be prescribed to people who:
- Are sick (to treat infection)
- Have been exposed to bird flu viruses (to prevent infection)
- Either you or your healthcare provider should notify your local health department for additional guidance and recommendations.
Information for Specific Groups
Dairy Farmers
H5 bird flu virus infections have been detected in cows in the US. The virus can infect people who work with infected cattle or work with materials, including raw milk, that are potentially contaminated with bird flu viruses.
VDH recommends that Virginia dairy farmers follow recommended practices to keep themselves and their herds healthy. This includes:
- Wearing protective clothing
- Washing hands
- Using dedicated farm clothes
- Drinking pasteurized milk
Farming is physically and mentally demanding work. Concerns about bird flu might add an additional layer of stress on agricultural producers. Please visit the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) website for more information and resources to manage farm stress and improve mental health.
Additional information:
- CDC Information for Farm Workers Exposed to H5N1 Bird Flu
- CDC Interim Guidance for Employers to Reduce Exposure to Novel Influenza A for People Working with or Exposed to Animals
- CDC Information for Employers Providing Personal Protective Equipment to Reduce Exposure to Novel Influenza A
- APHIS Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detections in Livestock
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Avian Influenza
Poultry Farmers
Bird flu viruses can affect chickens, turkeys, and many other types of birds. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, is often fatal in chickens and turkeys. Poultry producers work closely with veterinarians to strengthen biosecurity practices. Established and enforced biosecurity protocols can help prevent introduction of HPAI and other infectious diseases.
Additional information:
People with Backyard Birds
Keeping backyard birds such as chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and turkey can be fun and educational. However, owners should be aware that backyard birds can become infected with bird flu viruses. Biosecurity practices are important to protect these birds from bird flu. Backyard birds can also carry other harmful germs that can make people sick.
Biosecurity practices refer to everything you do to keep disease away from your birds, property, and people. Best practices include:
- Washing hands well before and after handling and caring for your birds. If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Not touching sick or dead birds, their feces or litter, or any surface or water source that might be contaminated with their saliva, feces, or any other bodily fluids without wearing PPE.
- Wearing dedicated shoes in areas where you house and care for your birds.
- Not eating or drinking in areas where poultry live or roam.
- Keeping wild birds and rodents out of poultry houses and coops.
- Monitoring the health of your birds. Contact your veterinarian or local extension agent if you notice any signs of illness in your birds.
Additional information:
- VDH Keep Your Backyard Flocks Healthy Flyer
- CDC Backyard Flock Owners and Bird Flu
- CDC Backyard Poultry
- USDA Defend the Flock
People Handling Wild Birds or Animals Suspected of Avian Influenza Infection
If there are multiple bird mortalities or clusters of sick or dead wild mammals on your property, contact Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and your local health department for their awareness and guidance to protect your health. Sick or dead wildlife can be reported to the DWR via the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or email wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov.
Additional information:
Pet Owners
Pet owners should be aware that bird flu viruses can spread to pets, though this is not common. Pet owners can take steps to protect pets from becoming ill with bird flu.
- Avoid contact between your pets (e.g., cats, dogs, pet birds) and wild birds. Prevent pets from interacting with potentially infected dairy cows, backyard flocks, and wild animals.
- Do not feed pets raw milk or raw pet foods.
- Know the signs of bird flu illness in pets, including fever, low energy, decreased appetite, red eyes, discharge from eyes or nose, difficulty breathing, neurologic signs (e.g., seizures), or sudden death. Contact your veterinarian if you notice that your pet is sick.
More information is available on the CDC Bird Flu in Pets and Other Animals webpage.
Healthcare Providers
Clinicians should consider the possibility of avian influenza virus infection in people showing signs or symptoms of acute respiratory illness and/or conjunctivitis who have a relevant exposure history. This includes people who had contact with potentially infected sick or dead birds, livestock, or other animals within the 10 days before their symptoms began.
If avian influenza virus infection is suspected or confirmed in any patient:
- Isolate the patient and follow infection control recommendations, including using PPE. Standard, contact, and airborne precautions, including the use of eye protection, are recommended.
- Initiate antiviral treatment with oseltamivir as soon as possible without waiting for the results of influenza testing.
- Immediately notify your local health department. They can coordinate testing with the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), if needed. Specimen collection guidance can be found on the DCLS website.
- Expedite subtyping of influenza A-positive specimens from all hospitalized patients. More information in CDC’s Health Alert (HAN) Health Advisory.
- Please see DCLS Accelerated Flu Type A Testing Guidance.
More information is available at CDC’s Brief Summary for Clinicians.
Veterinarians and veterinary staff can find CDC’s Public Health Resources for Handling Animals with HPAI A(H5N1) Virus Infection.