Avian Flu

Who is at risk for being infected with bird flu?

Human infections with influenza A viruses from animals are uncommon.     

People with exposure to infected birds, livestock, or other animals have a greater risk of influenza A virus infection, including H5 bird flu.  These include poultry and dairy farm workers, hunters, backyard or hobbyist flock owners, and fair exhibitors. 

How can bird flu be prevented?

• Wash your hands after touching birds and animals, especially at zoos and agricultural fairs.    
• 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 855-571-9003.  
• 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.  

Dairy Farmers

H5 bird flu virus infections have been detected in cows. The virus can infect people who work with infected animals or their byproducts (e.g., raw milk), such as dairy workers.  To date, H5 bird flu virus has not been detected in people, dairy cattle, or other domestic animals in Virginia. 

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

To download the VDH Dairy flyer, please visit H5N1-Dairy-Farmers. Spanish flyer available at H5N1-Dairy-Farmers-Spanish

Recent highlights of VDH’s response to this ongoing situation include: 

• Working closely with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to monitor and respond to the current H5 bird flu situation in wild birds and poultry, dairy cows, and other animals. VDH is the lead state agency for human health.  
• Monitoring health data and disease trends to rapidly spot indicators of concern.   
• Monitoring exposed people when a detection of H5 bird flu occurs.  
• Working closely with the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services to ensure capacity and preparedness for laboratory testing.  
• Coordinating testing for people who become ill with compatible symptoms (e.g., conjunctivitis, flu-like illness) after an exposure.    
• Engaging in outreach and education with partner organizations and healthcare providers.   
• VDH also provided personal protective equipment free-of-charge to workers on dairy farms, poultry farms, and in slaughterhouses to support strategies to maximize protection. 

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: 

• USDA Avian Influenza 
• VDACS Avian Influenza

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. 
• 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: 

• CDC Backyard Flock Owners: Caring for Yourself and Others 
• CDC Backyard Poultry 
• USDA Defend the Flock 

People Handling Wild Birds Suspected of Avian Influenza Infection

If there are multiple bird mortalities 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 855-571-9003 or by completing the form at DWR Sick, Injured, Dead Wildlife Reporting System.