Health Information Portal (HIP)

Bird Flu (H5N1)

Human cases of H5N1 have been reported in the United States over the past year. Most cases had exposure to animals infected with H5N1, but cases without known animal exposure have also been identified.

If you don't work closely with chickens, other poultry, dairy cows, or wild birds, your risk of getting bird flu is low. Still, it's best to avoid direct contact with these animals to stay safe.

Learn how to reduce your risk of getting sick from bird flu in the FAQ and resources below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bird Flu (H5N1)

What is bird flu (H5)?

Bird flu is a viral infection that mainly affects birds but can spread to humans and other animals. It is most common in wild birds, such as geese and ducks, but can also infect poultry, like chickens and turkeys. Sometimes it can make mammals, including milk-producing cows and people, sick.

How is bird flu (H5) spread?

Bird flu spreads when sick birds shed the virus in their saliva, mucus, and feces, and when animals and humans come into contact with these fluids. Some animals can carry bird flu and infect others without ever getting sick. It may be possible for humans to get bird flu by being in close contact with a sick bird, or by consuming raw milk, raw cheese or raw meat.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in people?

Symptoms include:

• Red, crusty or goopy eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Severe cough with or without sore throat
• Muscle or body aches
• Feeling tired
• Trouble breathing
• High fever (often over 100.4°F) or chills
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches

Who is at higher risk of getting exposed to bird flu (H5)?

People who work closely with chickens, other poultry, dairy cows, or wild birds are at higher risk.

Who is at higher risk of getting very sick?

The following groups are at higher risk of getting sick:

• People with lung, heart, or immune conditions
• People older than age 65
• People who are pregnant or nursing

How can I protect myself and others from bird flu?

Do not touch wild birds, including birds that are hurt.

• Avoid direct, unprotected contact with wild birds and other animals that have or may have bird flu.
• Wild birds can be infected even if they don’t look sick.

Caregivers should:

• Instruct children not to touch wild birds or other animals at places where they may encounter infected animals such as at petting zoos, farms, fairs or school events where live animals may be present.
• Remind children and caregivers to avoid eating, drinking, biting their nails or touching their face in areas where animals are located.
  • Make sure anyone who touches animals washes their hands with soap and water immediately.

Do NOT drink unpasteurized or raw milk, or eat raw cheese.

• Pasteurized milk products are safe since the pasteurization process kills bacteria and viruses, like avian influenza A viruses, in milk.

Protect house cats

• Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and other wildlife.
• Keep domestic cats away from raw milk and raw pet food.

What are some important tips for people who are raising and caring for domestic chickens?

Prevent contact between your birds and wild fowl:

• Keep food and water protected and away from wild birds.
• Change the water at least once a day.

Frequently monitor your birds for common signs of illness.

• Immediately isolate any sick birds.

Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose after contact with wild or domestic birds or surfaces and materials that may be contaminated with their saliva, mucous or feces.

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when taking care of your birds, including:

• Eye protection, like glasses or goggles.
• Waterproof apron or coveralls.
• Disposable gloves to cover your hands.
• Well-fitting N-95 mask or other National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirator to cover your nose and mouth.
  • If you do not have an N-95 or other NIOSH approved respirator, use something else to cover your nose and mouth, like a surgical mask.
  • For all mask types, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Replace when they no longer fit or when they become wet, dirty, or damaged.

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.

• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Wash your hands before eating, and before and after putting on PPE.
• Do not touch your face or mouth with unwashed hands.

Change out of your boots, apron, and outer clothing before entering your home after caring for your birds.

• The virus can be carried into your home on these items.
• It is best to leave these items in a dedicated area and clean/disinfect them regularly.

Get a seasonal flu shot.

• This will help you to avoid getting both bird and regular flu at the same time.
• To find a health center and flu vaccine near you, visit bit.ly/FluPHL.
• If you must handle sick poultry or their feces or litter, wear PPE and dispose of PPE properly and wash hands thoroughly.

Report all sick or dead birds.

• To report sick birds, call the PA Dept of Agriculture at 717-772-2852, select option 1.
• To report sick or dead wild birds, call the PA Game Commission immediately at 833-PGC-Hunt.
  • You can also contact the USDA at 866-536-7593.

Monitor yourself for symptoms.

• If you get any new symptoms while caring for confirmed or potentially infected animals, byproducts or surfaces, or during the 10 days after your last exposure:
  • Stay home and stay away from others as much as possible until you feel better.
  • Tell your healthcare provider. They will help to inform the health department and may prescribe antiviral medication.

Can I get sick with bird flu from milk and eggs?

Commercial milk sold in grocery and other food stores is safe to drink because it is pasteurized, which is a process that kills bacteria and viruses.

Unpasteurized milk, sometimes called raw milk, can carry dangerous bacteria and viruses that can make you very sick and even cause life-threatening illness.

To help protect you from bird flu and other bacteria or viruses:

• Avoid drinking and eating any products made with raw milk, like raw cheese.
• Cook poultry, eggs, and other animal products to the proper temperature, and prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw meat and uncooked eggs.

Bird Flu Resources

Avian Flu Informational Flyer

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Avian Flu Childcare Flyer

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Avian Flu Healthcare Flyer

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