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.  These include poultry and dairy farm workers, hunters, backyard or hobbyist flock owners, and fair exhibitors.

How can bird flu be prevented?

• Avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead birds, cattle, or other animals. Also avoid unprotected contact with raw milk, feces (poop), animal litter, or other materials potentially contaminated by sick birds or animals.
• Practice good hand washing and cleanliness, especially after contact with animals and surfaces at petting zoos or other farms where animals are able to be touched. Wash your hands often. If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Cook poultry, beef, and eggs properly and consume pasteurized milk and milk products.

What are the symptoms of bird flu?

Symptoms in humans from bird flu can range from no symptoms to mild illness such as 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.

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 and let them know of your recent exposure. Stay away from other people (isolate) and do not go to work or school until you have been evaluated. People who have been exposed to bird or swine flu viruses may be given antiviral medications to prevent infection. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Either you or your healthcare provider should also notify your local health department for additional guidance and recommendations.

General Information on Bird Flu

• CDC Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Dairy Farmers

H5N1 bird flu virus has recently been detected for the first time 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, H5N1 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 hygiene 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 flyer above, please visit H5N1-Dairy-Farmers

Spanish flyer available at H5N1-Dairy-Farmers-Spanish

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.  

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 the current H5N1 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 if a detection of HPAI A(H5N1) occurs.  
• Working closely with the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services to ensure capacity and preparedness for laboratory testing.     
• 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. 

Additional information: 

• CDC Information for Farm Workers Exposed to H5N1 Bird Flu 

• CDC Updated Interim Recommendations for Worker Protection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Reduce Exposure to Novel Influenza A Viruses Associated with Severe Disease in Humans   

• CDC Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Animals: Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations 

• 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 Defend the Flock 

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 H5N1. 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 Healthy Pets, Healthy People 

• CDC Backyard Flock Owners: Caring for Yourself and Others 

• VDACS Resources for Farmer Mental Health 

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.